Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today said the government was unaware of Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader's whereabouts after August 5.

This remark was made following a special meeting on law and order at the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner's office.

"The government did not have information regarding Quader's location in the country. Had we known, he would have been arrested," said Jahangir in response to claims of the former minister being in hiding inside the country for three months following August 5.

According to a media report, Quader was hiding in the country for three months and five days after the fall of the AL government on August 5 amid an uprising of students and people.

He fled to the Indian state of Kolkata via Shillong on November 8, the media reported.

Read more

Obaidul Quader belongs to a razakar family

After August 5, many law enforcement officers returned to duty, but some fled after cases were filed against them.

When asked if there was a failure in law enforcement related to this issue, the adviser said that he had no information indicating that anyone had fled after returning to work, emphasising that most officers never resumed their duties.

"The police officials who are absconding are considered criminals to us. Legal action will be taken if they are located," he said.

Regarding efforts to collaborate with the Interpol to bring Sheikh Hasina back, Jahangir said that they had sent a notice to the international body and subsequently reminded them to issue it.

Addressing the filing of random criminal cases, he said, "We have communicated multiple times through media. We want to assure once again that those who are not guilty will not face harm."

In response to queries about the police's moral strength, the home adviser indicated that it has improved compared to earlier times.

"Change takes time; I cannot alter the moral strength within two days. It requires patience," he said.