Dhaka: Bangladesh’s Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Md Aminul Islam, on Monday described deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent activities as “political posturing”, alleging that she had no genuine intention of returning to the country to face justice.
His remarks came after Hasina’s lawyers sought a new passport and national identity card for her through the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, reportedly to facilitate her planned return in December.
Hasina, 79, has been living in India since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024 following a student-led uprising that toppled her government. Bangladesh has repeatedly sought her extradition from India.
The chief prosecutor said Hasina had not taken any formal legal or administrative steps to return to Bangladesh or surrender before the court, according to the state-run BSS news agency.
“This is nothing but a political stunt of hers,” Islam said, adding that such public declarations were aimed at confusing people and diverting attention from her status as a convicted fugitive.
He said the International Crimes Tribunal, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, had sentenced Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death in absentia for crimes against humanity committed during the July 2024 uprising.
Islam reiterated that if Hasina genuinely intended to abide by the law, she would pursue established legal and diplomatic channels instead of relying on political statements.
“She is not taking the legal steps she should take to return to Bangladesh,” Islam was quoted as saying by The Daily Star.
Hasina has recently reiterated her intention to return to Bangladesh in December, despite facing serious legal challenges, including a death sentence handed down in absentia by a special tribunal over the deadly crackdown on protesters in 2024.
She has denied wrongdoing and questioned the legitimacy of the proceedings against her.
Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kobir has ruled out issuing Hasina any travel document or passport, describing her as a “fugitive terrorist” and a “dictator”.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the government was verifying reports that Hasina had applied for a passport and national identity card. He said the foreign and law ministries were examining the authenticity of the reported applications and their legal basis.
Bangladesh has also sought Hasina’s extradition from India, where she took refuge after leaving office.
India has acknowledged receiving Bangladesh’s extradition requests but has not announced a decision on handing her over. The Ministry of External Affairs has said the requests are being examined through established processes.
Several Awami League leaders who fled to India and other countries after the uprising have said in social media podcasts that preparations were underway for Hasina’s return.
Some legal experts have questioned the government’s position, arguing that there is no ambiguity over Hasina’s Bangladeshi citizenship and that she could return home even without a travel document.
