Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said it is crucial to listen to Priya Biswas Saha’s statement about her allegations and no steps will be taken before that.

The repercussion to Priya Saha’s statement is very sensitive and she will also be given a chance to clear her stance, Obaidul Quader told journalists at the Bangabandhu International Convention Center.

When informed that two sedition cases were filed against Priya Saha, the minister said, “I talked to the law minister but the cases have not been accepted because to file such cases, permission of the government is required.”

Priya Saha needs to make a public statement on what she said, the minister said. “Before that no legal process will start,” he added.

“The PM sent me a message yesterday and there she said not to take any hasty decision in this regard,” the minister said while briefing the journalists on a branding seminar on time bound Action Plan 2030 of Dhaka Metro Rail network and the handing over ceremony of license of MRT line 6.

In reply to a query on whether she will return to the country or any measures will be taken to bring her back to the country, the minister said, “She has the right to return to the country and we are not creating any obstacle for her from returning to the country.”

“I think she can come back to the country in a spontaneous manner and we do not have to take any measures to bring her back,” she added.

The home ministry has also been advised to provide full security to Priya Saha’s residence, the minister said.

Meanwhile, the minister further said that he met the United States’ Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl Miller and he assured that they are satisfied with the steps Bangladesh is taking in this regard.