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Information Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman has described the recent visit to Dhaka by Parag Jain, chief of India’s intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), as a normal development.
He also made it clear that Bangladesh wants India to extradite former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
He made the remarks at the regular press briefing held at the conference room of the Press Information Department at the Secretariat on Tuesday, where he discussed Bangladesh-India relations, Hasina’s return and various policy decisions of the government.
Regarding the RAW chief’s visit, the information adviser said Jain’s visit to Bangladesh was entirely normal, provided the sovereignty, security and mutual respect of both countries are maintained.
He said the RAW chief could hold meetings with the heads of Bangladesh’s security agencies or senior government representatives.
Therefore, there was no need for speculation or baseless discussions over the visit.
“Regardless of India’s conduct over the past 17 years, India must now establish a new relationship with Bangladesh as a sovereign and independent country,” he said.
He also said Bangladesh had already sent a strong diplomatic message to India protesting the organisation of a press conference by Sheikh Hasina while she is staying in the country.
“If Sheikh Hasina or any other criminal returns to the country, their security will be ensured and they will be brought to justice,” he said, adding that “no mafia regime will be tolerated in the country anymore.”
Speaking about international cricket star Shakib Al Hasan, he said, “If Shakib returns to the country, he will be provided with all legal and security protections.”
On the quality of education, Dr Zahed said the government had moved away from the previous practice of artificially increasing pass rates.
Although the pass rate and number of GPA-5 achievers declined in this year’s SSC and equivalent examinations, the government views it as a positive indicator of improvement in the quality of education.
He said special arrangements were being made to allow students to visit the July Memorial Museum, National Museum and other museums free of charge once a week to increase their awareness of history.
Considering natural disasters and difficult communications in the hilly areas, the government has decided to build new food warehouses in the three hill districts to ensure food security.
Meanwhile, under the Food-Friendly Programme, rice distribution to 5.5 million poor families continues at Tk 15 per kilogram, with each family receiving 30 kilograms of rice per month.
To restore discipline in healthcare services, the government recently dismissed a doctor as part of strict action against unauthorised absenteeism by physicians at public hospitals.
At the same time, modern healthcare services are being ensured at 22 specialised hospitals under the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission.
In addition, the government has taken coordinated measures to free playgrounds from illegal occupation and build new playing fields in 13 city corporation areas to support the physical and mental development of children and adolescents and reduce excessive dependence on digital devices.