Hasina must comply with law if she wants to return: AG

Sheikh Hasina, sentenced to death for crimes against humanity, cannot appeal the verdict after the stipulated time limit expires, he said.

The Attorney General made the remarks while responding to journalists' questions at his Supreme Court office on Wednesday.

He said the legal provisions governing appeals against International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) verdicts were clear, citing the case of Abul Kalam Azad—who was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity committed during the 1971 Liberation War—as a precedent.

AG Kazal said the case established that the Supreme Court cannot file an appeal after the prescribed deadline expires.

He also said the law applied equally to everyone and there was no scope for filing an appeal beyond the stipulated period.

Regarding Sheikh Hasina's possible return, Kazal said the government and relevant authorities had already clarified the legal and diplomatic aspects of the matter.

He referred to statements made by the State Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal and the Indian Foreign Secretary, saying their positions were consistent with the existing legal framework and international relations.

Earlier, on Tuesday, ICT Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam also said Sheikh Hasina would not be able to appeal the verdict after the 30-day deadline.

He said the International Crimes Tribunal Act was a special law and its provisions would prevail over general laws, including the Limitation Act.

The Chief Prosecutor also advised Sheikh Hasina to submit a written request to the Indian government if she wished to return to Bangladesh.

He said she should ask the Indian government to facilitate her return under the existing extradition treaty between the two countries, reports UNB.