Dhaka: National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam today urged for the rapid enforcement of the death sentence handed to Sheikh Hasina by the International Criminal Tribunal, citing her involvement in crimes against humanity during the July Uprising. ‘Sheikh Hasina must be brought back to Bangladesh and the death sentence executed within a month. Unless the verdict is executed within the next month, the expectations of the people, the families of martyrs, and the injured fighters will remain unfulfilled,’ Nahid declared at a press conference held at the party’s Banglamotor office.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Nahid congratulated the student activists, the families of martyrs, and the wounded fighters involved in the July Uprising. He described the day as historic, noting that justice has finally been served for the crimes against humanity committed during the uprising by the Awami League and Sheikh Hasina. ‘The International Criminal Tribunal has sentenced the tyrant Sheikh Hasina to death for her crimes, and we welcome this verdict,’ he asserted.
Nahid Islam reminisced about the struggle for justice during the July-August Revolution. He recounted the day his brother Abu Saeed was killed, citing a pledge to secure justice for his murder. ‘Today, we have received the verdict for the atrocities committed against thousands of July revolution martyrs and injured fighters,’ he stated.
Further, Nahid highlighted the widespread atrocities committed under Sheikh Hasina’s rule over the past sixteen years, including disappearances, killings, human rights violations, denial of voting rights, and mass killings at Pilkhana, Shapla Chattar, and during the July Uprising. While the verdict is historic, Nahid emphasized that full satisfaction will only come once it is executed.
He stressed the responsibility of the caretaker government in ensuring that Sheikh Hasina is returned from Delhi and the sentence implemented without delay. ‘We hope that following his visit to India, the security adviser will facilitate Sheikh Hasina’s return to Bangladesh,’ he remarked.
Nahid accused Sheikh Hasina of being the supreme commander and planner behind the genocide, both as an individual and as the party leader and Prime Minister. He called for the prosecution of the Awami League party and emphasized the need for realizing its political and judicial consequences in Bangladesh.
He also addressed the sentence of former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, expressing dissatisfaction with his five-year sentence. ‘Even as an approver, his punishment should have been greater, and it will be reconsidered in the appellate division,’ Nahid noted.
Nahid explained that the tribunal’s proceedings began following amendments to the law by the interim government. Under Bangladesh law, the maximum penalty is death, which Sheikh Hasina has received. He emphasized that the crimes were committed under Bangladesh’s internal legal framework and verified by international organizations, including the UN. ‘Hence, the death sentence is appropriate and must be implemented without delay,’ he concluded.
He expressed hope that the verdict would set an example not only for Bangladesh but also for tyrannical and fascist rulers around the world. NCP Chief Organizer for the northern region, Sarjis Alam, Central Joint Secretary Abdullah Al Amin, and other leaders were also present at the press conference.