Sheikh Hasina should return to face conviction, pending trials: ICT Chief Prosecutor

Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Md. Aminul Islam on Sunday urged former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to return to Bangladesh and face her conviction as well as the cases still pending against her.

"There is no legal bar to her return. We want her to come back and challenge her conviction through the legal process," Aminul told reporters at a press briefing at his office.

He said Hasina was convicted under the doctrine of superior responsibility in her capacity as prime minister, not as Awami League president. Although the statutory period for filing an appeal has expired, he said the Appellate Division would determine the legal course once she returns.

The chief prosecutor said Hasina also faces multiple pending cases, including the Shapla Chattar case and other allegations of crimes against humanity, while investigation reports in several cases are yet to be submitted.

He also confirmed that Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President Hasanul Haq Inu would be named an accused in the Shapla Chattar case, alleging investigators found evidence linking the former information minister to the shutdown of two television channels and attacks on their offices following the May 5, 2013 operation.

Aminul further claimed investigators had found evidence that sniper rifles were used during the July uprising and alleged that, in at least one case, firearms officially issued to police officers were instead handed to Awami League activists.

On the possibility of prosecuting the Awami League as a political party, the chief prosecutor said a written complaint is under investigation and legal action could follow if investigators establish a prima facie case against the party.

He alleged the Awami League institutionalized authoritarian rule during its time in office, dismantled democratic institutions and, along with its affiliated organizations, committed crimes against protesters during the July uprising.

Asked whether Awami League allies could also face prosecution, Aminul said any political party found implicated through the investigation could also be brought to trial.