Govt to seek Hasina’s extradition from India again, satisfied with verdict: Asif Nazrul
The government will again send a formal letter to India seeking the extradition of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul said on Monday, expressing deep satisfaction with the International Crimes Tribunal’s verdict against her.
“I am satisfied with the verdict of Sheikh Hasina’s trial. However, I am not surprised,” Dr Nazrul told reporters at his office at the Ministry of Law in the Secretariat on Monday afternoon (17 November).
Calling the day “historic” for Bangladesh, he said: “Today is a historic day for Bangladesh; today the finest achievement in the establishment of justice has taken place on the soil of this country.”
He said the tribunal had sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death for her role in the killings, grave injuries and acts of mutilation committed during the July Uprising.
“The ruthless murderer who was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of people, serious injuries to thousands, and maiming and mutilation during the July Uprising has been sentenced to death today. At the same time, the death penalty has been ordered for her main aide, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan,” he said.
Dr Nazrul reflected on those who lost their lives during the upheaval. “I think today is another victory day for the July Uprising. I am especially thinking of Abu Sayeed, Mugdha, Wasim, Yamin, Anas and everyone else who lost their lives during the July mass movement. It seems that today their departed souls may find some peace. I am also thinking of their grieving families – perhaps they will find some solace in this verdict.”
The adviser iterated that the tribunal’s judgment was fully supported by evidence. “There is strong and extensive evidence of crimes against humanity committed by Sheikh Hasina and her associates. If they were tried in any court in the world, they would receive the maximum punishment.”
He added that Bangladesh would renew its diplomatic steps to bring Hasina back to face the sentence. “I want to say one more thing today: we will write a letter to India again to extradite Sheikh Hasina. If India continues to shelter this mass murderer, then India must understand that this is an act of hostility against Bangladesh and the people of Bangladesh. This is a deeply condemnable behaviour.”
“A trial has taken place today,” he continued. “InshaAllah, the trial will continue at full speed for as long as we are here.”
Dr Nazrul also expressed his appreciation for those who contributed to the tribunal process. “I sincerely congratulate those involved in this trial, especially our Chief Prosecutor Tajul and his associates, and I congratulate those who gave evidence. As long as we are here, the trial will continue with full enthusiasm, and we hope that the government elected in the future will not shy away from the important responsibility of these trials under any circumstances.”