Murad denied entry to Canada, UAE

Disgraced former state minister for information and broadcasting Murad Hassan is reportedly coming back home on Sunday morning, having failed to enter Canada and the UAE.

A family member of the former state minister said Murad reached Dubai airport from Canada around 10:30 pm. As he has no valid visa to enter Dubai, he may return home, his relative said on condition of anonymity.

Earlier on Friday, Murad Hassan left the country for Canada on an Emirates.

Canadian immigration officials questioned him about various allegations, including harassment, humiliation, and torture of women, against him in Bangladesh.

According to the Toronto-based Bangla news portal thebengalitimes.com, they showed him various videos, photos, and news on him, and wanted to know his version.

It said Murad was also asked about his reasons for leaving Bangladesh and coming to Canada, but he failed to give a ‘satisfactory answer’.

Murad was then flown back to Dubai on a return Emirates flight from the Canadian airport.

Murad Hassan resigned from the cabinet on December 7 after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked him to resign from the cabinet for his derogatory remarks on women.

Notably, Murad Hassan has been in the limelight for the last couple of days over his derogatory and controversial remarks on different issues.

He made some offensive and derogatory comments on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and his daughter Zaima Rahman during an interview on a Facebook live.

Later, another controversial phone conversation between him and actor Emon and actress Mahi leaked and went viral on social media.

Many Awami League leaders said that these two back-to-back incidents of the state minister are a matter of embarrassment for the government and party too.

Murad was relieved from the post of health and population affairs secretary of Jamalpur district unit Awami League for damaging the party’s image and for his involvement in anti-disciplinary activities.

ARR