The Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh, Md Aminul Islam, has categorically stated that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has no legal means to avoid facing her death sentence. This comes after reports surfaced about a London-based legal chamber seeking a fresh passport and national identity card for Hasina, who has expressed her intention to return to Bangladesh in December to confront the legal proceedings against her. The prosecutor's remarks ruled out any possibility of issuing her a passport or travel document, citing the lack of such provision for individuals convicted of serious offenses, including crimes against humanity, as per the Bangladesh Passport Order of 1973.
Hasina, who is currently living in exile in India since August 2024, was sentenced to death in absentia by the International Crimes Tribunal for her role in a crackdown on protesters during the 2024 uprising that ended her 15-year rule. The United Nations estimated that around 1,400 people were killed during the violence. Hasina has denied the charges and questioned the legitimacy of the proceedings against her.
The Bangladesh government is examining the authenticity and legal grounds of the communication regarding Hasina's passport request. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir dismissed the reported request, calling it "utterly ridiculous." He reiterated that Bangladesh would pursue Hasina's return through the existing extradition treaty with India.
The Rahman government, which came to power in February after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party won the parliamentary elections, has maintained that Hasina must be brought back to face her sentence. Bangladesh has repeatedly sought her extradition from India under a bilateral treaty. However, India has not announced a decision on handing her over, stating that the matter is being examined through established processes.