SHILLONG: The former Minister of Communication of Bangladesh, Salahuddin Ahmed who was found in Shillong three years back after he had allegedly crossed the international border sans valid documents, is finally all set to go back home after the Court of the Judicial magistrate (first class) on Friday acquitted him of all charges and directed the concerned authorities to facilitate his repatriation to Bangladesh
Salahuddin Ahmed, had allegedly entered Shillong without valid documents in May 2015 and subsequently arrested though Ahmed claimed that he had been kidnapped by people in plain cloth and dumped here blindfolded.
Talking to media persons after the Court gave the verdict, a happy but tired looking Ahmed said, “I am happy as justice has been done with the Court acquitting me and issuing instructions to the concerned authorities to repatriate me as early as possible.”
When asked, if he would contest the General elections in Bangladesh which is due to be held shortly, Ahmed said that if the elections were held on time, he was hopeful of contesting the general elections which is supposed to be held this December
When asked about his three-year-long stay in Shillong far from his country, he said that it was a a longtime away from home but he was thankful to the Indian and Meghalaya Government for rendering all the medical services to him.
Reacting to a query if he is seeking asylum in third county due to the threats posed to him in Bangladesh, he said, “ I never said that I wanted to go to any other country . I am waiting and I am willing to return to my country at the earliest.”
Slamming the present dispensation in Bangladesh, he said that democracy was not functioning in Bangladesh and country was marred by state-sponsored terrorism
“ The present regime have not been elected properly and the 2014 General elections in my country was flawed as only 5 percent voters casted their votes and they ( Government ) say that they are elected,” Ahmed added
Terming the actions of Bangladeshi government as undemocratic, he said that they have finished judiciary and polluted the democratic system.
“They destroyed all democratic institutions and passed many Black Laws against media,” he added
Admitting that there is a threat to him in Bangladesh, he however added, “ We don’t care. We have to face it and restore democracy for the greater interest of the country and people.”
