Happy, Salahuddin wants to return immediately

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has expressed satisfaction with his acquittal in India.

“I was given justice. I am happy with the verdict,” Salauddin told The Daily Star this afternoon after securing acquittal. “Now, I want to return to Bangladesh as soon as possible.”

Salahuddin expressed gratitude to the Indian government, its central and provincial government after securing the acquittal in a case that has been on trial for almost three years.

Salahuddin was a state minister for communication of the previous BNP-led four-party alliance government. A joint secretary general of BNP, Salahuddin went missing from Dhaka on March 10, 2015. His family claimed he was picked up by law enforcers.

After almost three months, Salahuddin was found "hanging around" in Shillong on May 11, 2015, according to Meghalaya police and Indian media. He was sued for trespassing.

Today, a Shillong court acquitted him.

Salauddin extended thanks to the India government. “I have been given all facilities during my expatriate jail term. The court has given a directive so that I can return home immediately,” he said.

He said he came to know about formation of Jatiya Oikayfront in Bangladesh. “I hope the countrymen will be able to return to a full-fledged democratic atmosphere immediately,” he said.

About the fate of the Oikyafront, the BNP leader said when a national unity is formed it never goes in vain. “I hope, a good sense will prevail upon the government in holding the next general election in a free, fair and inclusive manner,” he added.