'If Hasina returns, only death awaits': Bangladesh prosecutor exposes chilling truth
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Political and diplomatic activity has once again intensified regarding the return of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina, who was planning to return to Bangladesh in December, has suffered a major setback. Dhaka has rejected her request to issue a new passport and national identity card. Meanwhile, Mohammad Aminul Islam, the chief prosecutor of Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal, has made it clear that if Hasina returns, she will face the death penalty.
Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam said Sheikh Hasina had no choice but to face the court's decision, according to AFP news agency. His statement came amid reports claiming Hasina planned to return to Bangladesh from India in December.
It is worth noting that Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign as Prime Minister and return to India following a widespread uprising in Bangladesh in August 2024. The Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal convicted her of crimes against humanity and sentenced her to death in a case related to alleged crackdowns on protesters.
Hasina demanded a new passport and identity card
Sheikh Hasina had expressed her desire to return home earlier this year in December. She stated that the fear of imprisonment or death would not deter her from returning. She stated that her duty to the people outweighed any fear.
According to a Hindustan Times report, Hasina wrote to the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Monday requesting the issuance of a new passport and national identity card. The application was sent through her London-based lawyers. However, the High Commission rejected it, stating that there is no legal provision for issuing travel documents to a person sentenced to death.
Hasina is facing more than 150 cases.
Sheikh Hasina is reportedly facing over 150 cases in Bangladesh, including several serious charges. Both the interim and current political establishments in Bangladesh have consistently demanded her extradition.
Hasina told Reuters she wanted to return home to surrender before the court and face legal proceedings. However, Dhaka has rejected her passport request and reiterated its demand for her extradition from India.
India-Bangladesh relations also affected
Relations between the two countries have been strained since Sheikh Hasina's arrival in India in August 2024. Bangladesh has consistently demanded India's extradition, while India says it is reviewing requests in this regard.
Questions arose even after not appealing
Bangladesh's Chief Prosecutor, Aminul Islam, also questioned Hasina's intention to return home. He said that if Hasina truly wanted to return to Bangladesh and fight the legal battle, she should have filed an appeal within the 30-day deadline after the verdict.
According to the prosecutor, Hasina should have returned home during the trial and presented her case in court. If she returns now, she will have to face the legal consequences of the sentence she was sentenced to.