Dhaka:International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam has described statements about ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina seeking a passport as a "political stunt," asserting that she lacks genuine intent to return to the country to face justice.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chief Prosecutor explained that Sheikh Hasina, a fugitive former prime minister, has not initiated any formal legal or administrative steps to return to Bangladesh or surrender to the court. He stated that these declarations aim to mislead the public and divert attention from her status as a convicted fugitive.
The Chief Prosecutor recalled that Sheikh Hasina fled to India on August 5, 2024, during a mass uprising that led to the toppling of her government. Since then, she has remained in India while facing prosecution at the International Crimes Tribunal for atrocities committed during the crackdown on anti-discrimination student movement protesters.
Aminul Islam highlighted that ICT-1, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, sentenced Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death in absentia for crimes against humanity committed during the July-August 2024 uprising. The tribunal's verdict also mandated the forfeiture of all personal assets belonging to both individuals, with confiscated funds directed toward compensating families of martyrs and providing medical relief to the injured.
In discussing tribunal proceedings, the Chief Prosecutor noted the key testimony from former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who turned state witness. His full confession provided critical evidence of command responsibility, resulting in a reduced sentence of five years' imprisonment. Aminul Islam emphasized that if Sheikh Hasina had any genuine intent to comply with the law, she would use established legal and diplomatic channels rather than political rhetoric. He affirmed the prosecution's ongoing efforts to execute the tribunal's judicial directives.