Barrister Shakila Farzana, a reserved-seat lawmaker and member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, has described claims that Sheikh Hasina will return to Bangladesh in December as “propaganda.”

Speaking to journalists after paying respects at the grave of martyr Abu Sayed in Jafarpur Babanpara village of Madankhali Union in Pirganj, Rangpur, on Friday afternoon, she made the remarks.

Shakila Farzana said the Awami League is a party that spreads propaganda and had also engaged in propaganda while in power. She said there was no reason to believe the claim about Sheikh Hasina’s return, adding that the people of Bangladesh are now enjoying democracy.

Describing the Awami League government as authoritarian, she alleged that repression, lawsuits, killings and enforced disappearances were characteristic of its rule. She said the party would make various statements in an attempt to return to power, but there was no reason to believe such claims.

After visiting Abu Sayed’s grave, Shakila Farzana met with his father, Mokbul Hossain, mother, Monowara Begum, and other family members and inquired about their well-being.

Among those present were Pirganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahmudul Hasan, Gangachara Upazila BNP President Chand Sarker, BNP leader Mizanur Rahman Lulus and others.