Sensation marked the sudden appearance of Bangladesh politician Salahuddin Ahmed on May 11, 2015, in the Sensation marked the sudden appearance of Bangladesh politician Salahuddin Ahmed on May 11, 2015, in the city after he went missing for two months from his native place in Bangladesh. After three and a half years, he was freed by a local court on Friday and he is happy to go home despite the impending dangers. He was arrested by the Meghalaya police after he was found wandering at Pynthorumkhrah locality without any proper documents. However, the politician hailing from Cox’s Bazar area of Bangladesh said his acquittal proved his earlier statement that he was kidnapped and dumped in Meghalaya. The former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s close associate and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) general secretary spoke to The Shillong Times at Sunrise Guest House at Kench’s Trace in the city about his future plans, life after being a free man and the longing for a change of government in Bangladesh.
ST: Do you feel relieved after your acquittal?
Salahuddin: I am happy that I was acquitted after three and a half years of ordeal. The order of acquittal was at 3 pm and I phoned my wife and relatives informing about the release. My family is happy over the good news.
ST: Did you enter Meghalaya illegally?
Salahuddin: I did not come alone. Some group of people brought me here. I am not a voluntary trespasser. I was blindfolded. Can you cross illegally? As far as my case is concerned, armed persons in plain clothes and indentified as law enforcers kidnapped me. It was a state sponsored act.
ST: What is your suggestion to address the issue of North East militants taking shelter in Bangladesh?
Salahuddin: In the border area, life is hazardous. We have to solve the problem bilaterally. I do believe that with bilateral discussion, the issue of militancy can be solved.
ST: How soon will you be leaving Shillong?
Salahuddin: I did not see the judgment but the operative part of the order which was delivered in the open court was that the accused is acquitted with a direction that he should be repatriated immediately.
ST: What about your return to politics and contesting the upcoming polls?
Salahuddin: I am still in politics as member of the standing committee of BNP. I will be able to prepare for the polls if I am repatriated at the earliest.
ST: Will your party come back to power in the polls scheduled in December?
Salahuddin: The win depends on conditions. We have a National United Form with seven-point demands which include the need to dissolve the government and reform the Election Commission. The use of EVM should be avoided.
We also want Begum Khaleda Zia to be released from jail before the declaration of elections. The election should be free, fair and neutral and during the election period, a free and fair government should be installed. If all these conditions are fulfilled, we expect an overwhelming majority. Military should be deployed with magisterial powers.
ST: Will you be contesting the polls?
Salahuddin: If possible, I will be contesting from Cox’s Bazar.
ST: Will you be critical of your government like in the past?
Salahuddin: I was a law abiding citizen. I was once a magistrate and I know the law of the land. Having said that, I will definitely be vocal against the Hasina regime. The whole world termed her as one of the top autocrats.
She killed democracy.
The judiciary is not independent. The first chief justice of the Supreme Court from the minority community, SK Sinha, is abroad after seeking political asylum. He was forced to resign. Such is the state of democracy and rule of law.
ST: What difference can you make after your return?
Saladudin: The National United Forum floated by the opposition is to rescue democracy. We are committed to protecting human rights.
ST: What is your message before leaving for Bangladesh?
Salahuddin: I thank the Indian government and the state government for all cooperation and facilities. The people in Meghalaya were kind and good. The message to the people of my country is that I hope the struggle for democratic process will result in ending the autocratic government and it is a matter of time.