ICT prosecutor says Hasina’s public statements could block appeal against death sentence

Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina may be barred from appealing her crimes against humanity conviction because she has publicly commented on the case, International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim said.

Speaking at the tribunal grounds on Sunday, he said fugitives sometimes return and claim they were unaware of the proceedings before seeking permission to face trial after a long absence.

“But Hasina and the other suspect in this case cannot take that opportunity. They know about the case, are making statements from there [India], talking about returning and defending the case through the media,” he said.

The tribunal sentenced Hasina to death in absentia in November over allegations that she ordered a deadly crackdown on the 2024 student movement.

According to a UN Human Rights Office report, about 1,400 people were killed during the protests. 

Hasina, who remains in exile in India, has denied ordering the killings and is considered a fugitive by the court.

Tribunal law allows 30 days to appeal against a verdict. Nine months have passed since Hasina’s conviction.

In criminal cases, however, fugitives sentenced to death have sometimes been allowed to appeal years after their arrest, with legal exemptions or limitation provisions applied.

Tamim has previously said such limitation provisions do not apply to special laws under Bangladesh’s criminal jurisprudence.

Hasina has said she plans to return in December and surrender to the court.

“We welcome her coming. Let her come and face trial. Let the nation see what crimes she has or has not committed,” Tamim said.

He added that she could present in court the arguments she has been making from abroad.