Sheikh Hasina will be brought back through international legal process, says information adviser
The government does not believe there is any legal complication in bringing former prime minister Sheikh Hasina back from India. Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, adviser to the prime minister on information and broadcasting, gave a clear message that accused persons convicted and sentenced by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) will be brought back to the country through the extradition treaty and legal process, and made to face trial.
He said this on Tuesday (10 November) in reply to a question from journalists at a briefing at the Secretariat.
The adviser said she (Sheikh Hasina) is not merely an ordinary criminal. She is an accused convicted of a grave offence such as crimes against humanity. A hundred or five hundred murders is one thing, but crimes against humanity is an entirely different matter. The country's constitution also clearly states that ordinary fundamental human rights will remain suspended or revoked for those sentenced for crimes against humanity.
On the discussion about Sheikh Hasina's extradition from India, he noted that the Indian government has also said in the past that there are legal complications in it. But the reality, he said, is that where Sheikh Hasina herself has repeatedly expressed her wish to return to the country, there is no question of legal complication or prolonged court proceedings.
He said an extradition treaty exists with the Indian government. Under that treaty, a request for her handover has been made through the formal channel.
In reply to journalists' questions about the issuance of Sheikh Hasina's passport and the full verdict of the tribunal, the adviser said that although a law firm sent a letter to Delhi, India, Sheikh Hasina herself has not formally applied for a passport. As a result, there is no scope for confusion on the matter.
He also said the short verdict of the International Crimes Tribunal is already in effect. Publication of a copy of the full verdict is part of a regular process, which will be completed in due time.
He added that in bringing a convicted criminal back to the country, the government's main aim is to follow the process and the rules. Sheikh Hasina will be brought to the country and handed over for trial by following the legal process, not by any unclear or inconsistent means.
