Six British politicians have urged the UK government to secure assurances that ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will not be executed if she returns from exile in India, as she prepares for a possible December homecoming despite a death sentence for crimes against humanity.
The appeal, addressed to British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, also calls for independent scrutiny of the judicial proceedings against Hasina, protection from torture and political violence, and diplomatic efforts to prevent retaliatory attacks in Bangladesh.
Conservative MP Bob Blackman disclosed the initiative in a November 4 article published by British political commentary website Comment Central, titled "Britain must help Bangladesh break the cycle of political revenge."
Blackman said the signatories were seeking neither immunity for Hasina nor a predetermined judicial outcome.
"We seek neither immunity nor a predetermined outcome," he wrote, quoting the letter.
The signatories include Blackman, former European Parliament member Charles Tannock, and British parliamentarians Martyn Day, Paul McLennan, Alan Brown and Seamus Logan.
The initiative comes as Hasina, who fled to India following the August 2024 uprising, has told the Associated Press that she intends to return to Bangladesh in December despite the possibility of arrest or execution.
"If death is my destiny, I would rather die on the soil of my own country, among my own people," she told AP in an email interview published last week.
Her proposed return has intensified diplomatic questions surrounding her conviction, Bangladesh's extradition request to India and the legal safeguards available to her.
Blackman outlined four measures the British government should pursue.
The first is a written undertaking from Bangladesh that Hasina will not be executed, supported by enforceable legal guarantees. The signatories also want protection against torture, enforced disappearance and violence during her arrival, transportation, court appearances and detention.
Second, they want Hasina to have access to lawyers of her choice, an effective opportunity to challenge her conviction and sentence, and independent judicial scrutiny of any detention.
Third, they have requested independent examination of unresolved evidence and allegations of judicial interference, with the involvement of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
Fourth, they have called for British diplomatic support for an inclusive, Bangladeshi-led political dialogue involving political parties, victims' representatives and civil society.
Blackman said accountability for the abuses committed during Hasina's rule must not be compromised.
"Political office cannot confer immunity. Equally, political affiliation cannot substitute for proof," he wrote.
He also said Hasina and Awami League leaders must cooperate with independent investigations, reject violence and respect the safety of victims and political opponents.
The lawmakers have asked the British High Commission in Dhaka to coordinate with Bangladesh's government, partner diplomatic missions and the UN human rights office.
They have also requested a written response from Miliband detailing Britain's proposed diplomatic measures and a timetable for exploring mediation.
A November 7 report by TIMES of Bangladesh said the Awami League had approached British politicians seeking diplomatic support for Hasina's return.
The publication reported obtaining a draft petition circulated among prospective signatories. Awami League leader Habib Millat confirmed to the outlet that six British politicians had signed it.
The report suggests the initiative is also part of a wider effort by Hasina's party to secure international engagement over her conviction and Bangladesh's political situation.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, has maintained that Hasina must return through the extradition process rather than through a voluntary travel arrangement.
On November 5, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir ruled out issuing Hasina a passport or travel document, saying the government would seek her handover under the existing extradition treaty with India.
India has not agreed to extradite her.
Indian officials have said Bangladesh's request remains subject to established legal procedures, without committing to a timetable.
Hasina has rejected the tribunal's legitimacy and denied responsibility for the crackdown. Her Awami League remains banned from political activities.
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