Staff Reporter :
After the conviction for the crimes against humanity, the interim government has been pressing India to extradite Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan who are now sheltered there after the July uprising that collapsed the previous government’s citadel of power for 16 years.
The interim government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus, soon after the conviction of the duo, sent letter to Delhi for the extradition of them as they have been sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal.
Besides, India has also stated that they have received the letter and have been examination for the issue of extradition of them.
Amid this situation, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Friday on his Facebook page sated that he was “deeply convinced Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and the BAL leadership accused of involvement in the July massacres will be brought before the Bangladeshi justice system.”
He also wrote; “India has already stated that it is examining our request to extradite Hasina following her conviction in a July massacre case.”
However, he further highlighted, “We know Hasina has powerful sympathisers. Even so, I am increasingly convinced that Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal – the “Butcher of Dhaka” – will be extradited very soon to Bangladesh to face justice.”
“As more light is shed on the alleged crimes committed during Hasina’s nearly 16-year rule, Kamal’s role in the massacres and enforced disappearances will likely receive growing global media attention,” he added.
Shafiqul Alam, “No matter how much money Kamal or other BAL leaders may spend, there will be no escaping accountability forever.”
Regarding the strength of the nation, he said, “If we, as a nation, remain determined and focused on securing justice for the victims of the July massacres and for all human rights violations commmitted during the Hasina era, it will become increasingly difficult for those responsible to evade the consequences.”
He concluded his post with the message: “It will start with Kamal and then …”
On Wednesday, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said that Bangladesh has been waiting for the reply of the request from Delhi regarding the extradition of Sheikh Hasina.
“A note verbale had been sent to India’s Ministry of External Affairs through Bangladesh’s mission. No reply has come. We do not expect a response quickly,” Touhid Hossain said in responding to a question of the journalists.
He also said that the latest letter sent on last Friday stated that Sheikh Hasina has been convicted and should therefore be returned.
After getting the letter, Indian Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a press conference in Delhi said, “we have received that request, and the request is being examined.
We remain committed to the people of the Bangladesh. We will continue to engage constructively in this regard with all the stakeholders.”
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the ICT published the full judgement detailing the convictions and death sentences of Hasina and Kamal, for committing crimes against humanity during the July uprising.
With the publication of the complete verdict, the 30-day countdown for filing appeals has formally begun.
Under existing legal provisions, the convicts – tried in absentia – must submit appeals within this period should they seek judicial review.
The ICT had handed down the initial sentences on 17 November, finding Hasina and Kamal guilty on multiple counts of incitement, ordering lethal force against protesters, and failing to prevent mass atrocities during the July-August 2024 protests.
Former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who testified as a state witness, received a five-year prison sentence.
