Bangladesh Prosecutor Says Sheikh Hasina Has No Legal Option but Execution
DHAKA,— Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam has said that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has no legal option but to face execution of her death sentence if she returns to the country. His remarks came amid rising tensions over Hasina’s reported plan to return in December, during which arson attacks and…
DHAKA,— Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam has said that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has no legal option but to face execution of her death sentence if she returns to the country. His remarks came amid rising tensions over Hasina’s reported plan to return in December, during which arson attacks and crude bomb blasts killed one person.
The prosecutor said the 30-day window to appeal the November 2025 death sentence had expired, leaving no possibility of an appeal. He said the tribunal’s law left no alternative to enforcing the sentence.
Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia in November 2025 on three counts of crimes against humanity related to the deadly crackdown on the 2024 student-led protests, including incitement, ordering killings and failing to prevent atrocities.
Islam also said there was no legal basis to issue a passport or travel document to a person sentenced to death. Citing the Bangladesh Passport Order 1973, he said its provisions restrict passport issuance to convicted persons, particularly those sentenced to at least two years’ imprisonment for offences involving moral turpitude.
He added that if Hasina genuinely wanted to return, she should submit a written request to the Indian government seeking her return under the extradition treaty.
During the tensions, vehicles were set on fire and crude bombs exploded in several parts of Bangladesh. In southwestern Faridpur, a bus driver died from smoke inhalation after a parked bus was set ablaze, while at least eight vehicles were torched.
Hasina fled to India in August 2024 following widespread protests that ended her 16-year rule. After the November 2025 death sentence, a court in February sentenced her to 10 years’ imprisonment in two corruption cases related to alleged irregularities in a Dhaka housing project.
Bangladesh’s interim government banned all activities of Hasina’s Awami League under the anti-terrorism act in May 2025, including its online platforms.
