SAVAR, May 20, (V7N) — Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister A Z M Zahid Hossain said today that the government wants ousted autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina to return to the country and face legal proceedings.

“Someone said she would return to the country boldly. We also want that if she has the courage, she should return and face the law at the ICT. Then it will be understood what kind of courage she really has,” he told reporters after visiting the construction of a sports complex for persons with special needs at West Bank Town in Savar today.

Professor Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain said the country saw on August 5, 2024, what real courage means. “We also want to see that. The people of Bangladesh are eager to see it. If she has courage, she should come, appear before the court and face the cases. There is no force or coercion here. If the court declares her acquitted, then she will be acquitted. There will be no problem,” he said.

The minister said he personally believes Sheikh Hasina should return, surrender before the judiciary, and show respect for the rule of law.

He added that the present government maintains a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and will not tolerate any irregularity. “We will neither engage in corruption ourselves nor allow anyone else to do so. No one can remain involved in corruption in any form,” he said.

On allegations of irregularities in the ongoing project, the minister noted that only six percent of the work has been completed so far. “We will investigate the matter. If anyone is found involved in corruption, nobody will be spared. Even I myself would not be able to avoid responsibility if found involved,” he said.

Senior officials of the Social Welfare Ministry and the Women and Children Affairs Ministry were present during the visit.

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