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Mohammad Aminul Islam, Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal, has stated that there is no legal opportunity for deposed Prime Minister and convicted death row inmate Sheikh Hasina to return to Bangladesh and surrender directly.
Speaking to journalists at the International Criminal Tribunal on Sunday (July 12), he said, ‘Sheikh Hasina is currently in exile under the control of the Indian government. She cannot return to the country freely like an ordinary citizen, even if she wishes. She must be brought back to the country by following mutual understanding and diplomatic-legal processes between Bangladesh and India.’
The Chief Prosecutor further added that as soon as Sheikh Hasina sets foot on Bangladeshi soil, she will be arrested and sent directly to prison.
Highlighting the progress of ongoing cases at the Tribunal, he informed that the investigation into the murder case stemming from the Hifazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar, Motijheel, on May 5, 2013, has concluded. The investigation report for this case will be submitted to the Tribunal on July 21.
Additionally, the investigation into the 10 main cases of crimes against humanity committed during the July-August 2024 mass uprising is also in its final stage. He stated that the investigation reports for these cases would be submitted to the court very soon.
According to the Chief Prosecutor’s statement, both Sheikh Hasina’s return to the country and her surrender will require adherence to legal and diplomatic processes, and she will be arrested upon her return.
Last Thursday night, in an hour-long telephone interview with British news agency Reuters, Sheikh Hasina announced her plan to return to the country in December and surrender to the court. She also expressed hope that not only she, but other exiled senior Awami League leaders would also return with her and surrender.