NN ONLINE:
The government plans to send a formal letter to India once again urging the extradition of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul said on Monday, expressing strong satisfaction with the verdict delivered by the International Crimes Tribunal.
“I am satisfied with the Hasina trial verdict, though I am not surprised,” Dr. Nazrul told reporters at his Ministry of Law office in the Secretariat on Monday afternoon (17 November).
Calling the day historic for Bangladesh, he said: “Today is a historic day for Bangladesh; the finest achievement in the establishment of justice has taken place on this soil.”
The tribunal sentenced Sheikh Hasina for her role in killings, grave injuries, and acts of mutilation during the July Uprising. “The ruthless killer responsible for the deaths of hundreds, serious injuries to thousands, and maiming during the July Uprising has been sentenced to death today. The death penalty has also been imposed on her principal aide, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan,” he stated.
Dr. Nazrul paused to remember those who lost their lives during the upheaval. “Today marks another victory day for the July Uprising. I especially think of Abu Sayeed, Mugdha, Wasim, Yamin, Anas, and everyone else who fell during the July mass movement. May their departed souls find some peace, and may their grieving families find solace in this verdict.”
He emphasized that the tribunal’s judgment was grounded in substantial evidence. “There is strong, extensive evidence of crimes against humanity attributed to Sheikh Hasina and her associates. If tried in any court worldwide, they would face the maximum penalties.”
The adviser noted that Bangladesh would renew its diplomatic efforts to bring Hasina back to face sentencing. “We will write to India again to seek Sheikh Hasina’s extradition. If India continues to shelter this mass murderer, India should understand that it amounts to hostility toward Bangladesh and its people. Such conduct is deeply condemnable.”
“A trial has taken place today,” he added. “Inshallah, the trial will continue at full speed as long as we are here.”
Dr. Nazrul also thanked those who contributed to the tribunal process, saying: “I sincerely congratulate everyone involved in this trial, especially Chief Prosecutor Tajul and his team, and those who provided testimony. As long as we are here, the trial will proceed with full zeal, and we hope that future governments will not shy away from the important responsibility of upholding these trials under any circumstances.”
