Stop war crime suspects from fleeing in guise of Hajj pilgrims

Sahara asks law enforcers
The Daily Star Bangladesh: Home Minister Sahara Khatun yesterday directed the intelligence and law enforcement agencies to prevent suspected war criminals, Rohingyas and militants from leaving the country in the guise of Hajj pilgrims.

"A list of probable Hajj pilgrims will be submitted to the Special Branch of police within this month to verify whether there is any Rohingya, suspected war criminal or terrorist or not," she said while talking to newsmen after a meeting on passport issuance at her ministry office.

Sahara said Rohingyas used to leave the country as Hajj pilgrims with Bangladeshi passports, overstayed there and engaged themselves in criminal activities, tarnishing the image of the country.

"We will strictly monitor any such tactic this time," said the minister adding, "The Hajj pilgrims will be allowed to leave the country only after the verification report is received."

She also warned the Hajj agencies of revoking licences and other forms of legal actions against them if any Hajj pilgrim in their books fails to return home in time. The minister asked them to remain alert about the government directives.

Replying to a query Sahara said both Tarique Rahman and Arafat Rahman Koko, sons of opposition leader Khaleda Zia, are not abiding by their parole conditions. She also added that parole of Koko has been cancelled through legal process.

State Minister for Home Shamsul Haque Tuku, Home Secretary Abdus Sobhan Sikder, Director General of the Immigration and Passport Abdur Rob Hawlader, and Additional Inspector General (Special Branch) Jabed Patwari, among others, were present at the meeting.