Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told the Jatiya Sangsad that the government is continuing efforts under the existing extradition arrangement to bring ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh to face trial.
He said that if Sheikh Hasina returns to the country, the verdict against her will be executed in accordance with the law. He also stated that the government is working sincerely to bring the Bangladesh Awami League, as a political party, under the trial process.
The Home Minister made the remarks while participating in a short discussion on the “Trial of the July Mass Uprising and Genocide” under Rule 68 in Parliament. The discussion followed a notice raised by National Citizens Party (NCP) lawmaker Akhter Hossen from Rangpur-4.
Referring to an earlier statement by the Law Minister, Salahuddin Ahmed said Sheikh Hasina is a convicted fugitive under Bangladesh’s laws.
“She would be arrested immediately upon her return, and the court’s verdict would be enforced through due legal process,” he said.
He added that the government has been consistently urging the relevant foreign country under the extradition arrangement to return Sheikh Hasina so she can stand trial in Bangladesh.
The Home Minister also said investigations into the trial of the Awami League as a political organization are progressing before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).
“If necessary, the number of tribunals, prosecutors, investigators and logistical support will be further increased,” he said.
He emphasized that the government’s objective is justice rather than revenge.
“Our goal is to complete the trials relating to those killed and injured during the July Mass Uprising,” he said, adding that the government is also committed to strengthening democratic institutions and preserving national unity to prevent the return of fascism.
Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman told Parliament that Sheikh Hasina has no legal scope to surrender under the existing legal framework because she is already a convicted person.
He said she would be arrested immediately upon entering Bangladesh in accordance with the law.
Describing the July Mass Uprising as a “recognized historical truth” and a major milestone in the country’s constitutional and political transformation, the Law Minister said investigations into 16 cases linked to the July killings have been completed since the current government assumed office.
Of those, investigation reports have been submitted in 12 cases, while charges have been framed in four cases, he said.
The minister added that verdicts have already been delivered in three cases, including the Abu Sayeed murder case. Investigations into the Shapla Chattar killings, the case against the Awami League as an organization, and district-level killings are also underway.
He informed the House that out of 590 complaints submitted to the International Crimes Tribunal, 109 cases were selected for prosecution. Investigation reports have been filed in 43 cases, trials have been completed in six cases, 16 people have been sentenced to death, 11 to life imprisonment, and 35 to various prison terms.
In addition, 26 cases are currently under trial, while verdicts in four others are awaiting delivery.
Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the state has a responsibility to ensure proper treatment, rehabilitation and a dignified life for those who were martyred, injured or permanently disabled during the July Mass Uprising.
He also called for the early inauguration of the July Memorial Museum and for strengthening the July Foundation.
Describing July as the culmination of a long struggle, he urged all political parties to maintain national unity, ensure a speedy, impartial and fair trial of the July killings, and uphold the spirit of the movement.
Chief Whip of the Opposition Nahid Islam called for proper recognition of the contributions and sacrifices made by women during the July Mass Uprising.
He urged the government to strengthen the International Crimes Tribunal by appointing competent judges and prosecutors and, if necessary, establishing additional tribunals to speed up the judicial process.
He also stressed the importance of proper investigations and expediting the trials, including proceedings involving the Awami League.
State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque Nur, opposition lawmaker Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem, and reserved-seat opposition member Rokeya Begum, mother of July martyr Jabir Ibrahim, also participated in the parliamentary discussion.
