The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Nur Mohammad, Inspector General of Police, yesterday said the fugitives who have been convicted under emergency power rules and who have taken shelter abroad would not be able to reappear ahead of the upcoming December 18 parliamentarys elections.

I don't think that they (fugitives) will get a chance to return to the country as in the past ahead of the polls to create troubles, he told the reporters on the sidelines of a function at Rajarbagh Police Lines.

A number of top terrors took shelter in various countries, including US and India, to avoid arrest following combing operations conducted by law enforcing agencies and joint forces, including the 'Operation Clean Heart' in October 2001.

Recently, a number of top terrors were arrested in India and some of them were handed over to Bangladesh authorities.

It is apprehended that those underworld kingpins might reappear and engage in criminal activities again to establish their control over their respective zones ahead of the upcoming national election.

On reports that some of them have already returned to the country from their hideouts abroad and many more may come out before the polls, the IGP said he had no knowledge about such things.

"There is no sign that such suspects have returned to the country," he said.