Krishak Sramik Janata League president Kader Siddique said speculation or announcements about Sheikh Hasina returning to Bangladesh are harming innocent Awami League leaders and activists. He made the remarks on Thursday in Kishoreganj after visiting the grave of Aminul Islam Tarek, president of the district Krishak Sramik Janata League.

Siddique said unplanned announcements of this kind are creating legal and political complications for party workers. Referring to rumours that Hasina may return in December, he said many Awami League activists were being jailed and facing legal difficulties rather than being encouraged. He said a planned announcement could have motivated the party’s leaders and workers.

On Dr Muhammad Yunus, Siddique said that even a trial would be insufficient for the damage he alleged Yunus had caused to the country. He described BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s respect for Yunus at a July Day event as part of political culture. Siddique also said the current government was running the country better than during Professor Yunus’s time despite national and international crises. He called Jamaat-e-Islami an unfortunate party and criticised its historical positions.