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Chief Prosecutor: Issuing passport to fugitive Hasina mocks justice
Published : Tuesday, 10 November, 2026 at 1:32 PM
Observer Online Report
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Legal basis of issuing passport or National Identity Card (NID) to ousted Sheikh Hasina while she remains as a convicted fugitive outside the country mocks justice, said Aminul Islam, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).
Talking to journalists during a briefing at the ICT premises on Tuesday (November 10), the Chief Prosecutor clarified the legal frameworks of issuing a travel documentation for convicted individuals.
"The law explicitly states that if a person receives a minimum sentence of two years, a passport cannot be issued to them. Therefore, there is no legal scope for the Bangladesh government to issue a passport to the fugitive and convicted Sheikh Hasina," the Chief Prosecutor stated, adding that issuing a passport or travel pass to a convicted absconder would amount to mocking the judicial system.
Aminul Islam highlighted that Sheikh Hasina was not present at the judicial proceedings during her trial at the ICT. She chose not to face the court, and failed to comply with an appeal following the publication of the verdict.
The timeframe to lodge a legal appeal has expired.
Referring to a recent application submitted to the Bangladesh High Commission in India by a London-based law firm, 'Matrix Chambers', seeking a passport on her behalf, the Chief Prosecutor described the move as absurd.
"The Foreign Minister rightly described this move as ridiculous," Aminul Islam remarked. "The person seeking the passport did not apply herself, nor did her political party or activists. The application was made by a London-based law firm."
Chief Prosecutor noted that Bangladesh has yet to receive formal documentation from Indian authorities confirming Hasina’s precise status, aside from official statements that she was granted refuge on humanitarian grounds following her request.
"If Sheikh Hasina genuinely intends to return to Bangladesh, she must formally submit a written request to the Indian government asking to be returned under the bilateral extradition treaty," he asserted.
Addressing Sheikh Hasina's recent public posture, the Chief Prosecutor raised doubts about the authenticity of audio clips circulating on social media, noting the absence of any verified direct virtual statements. He stated that she lacked the intention to face trial in Bangladesh, missing the 30-day window following the verdict to return and appeal.
"You fled this country safely alongside your family members while leaving innocent party activists behind without thought for their plight. Engaging in such maneuvers now will only place your party leaders in further jeopardy, marking yet another mistake," the Chief Prosecutor concluded.
-SA
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, 01550707296
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