Dhaka: The government is contemplating seeking the assistance of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to facilitate the extradition of fugitive convicts, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, from India. This was announced by Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Prof Dr Asif Nazrul during a press conference held at the Foreign Service Academy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prof Dr Asif Nazrul revealed that a meeting would soon be convened to deliberate on the possibility of approaching the ICC for the return of these individuals, who have been convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) for crimes against humanity. The press conference, which aimed to brief the media on the decisions made during the Council of Advisers meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, highlighted the government’s determination to pursue justice.
Prof Asif Nazrul further stated that the government plans to dispatch a formal request to India, seeking the extradition of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Both have been sentenced to death, and the letter is intended to remind India of its obligations under the existing extradition agreement. The government believes that India’s cooperation is crucial for fulfilling the Bangladeshi people’s desire for justice.
The Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, was also in attendance at the press conference, underscoring the significance of the government’s efforts to ensure accountability and justice in this high-profile case.