Published : 05 Aug 2026, 02:44 AM
Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:30 AM
The International Crimes Tribunal has barred former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from making “hate speech”, but has imposed no blanket restriction on her statements, Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam has said.
The clarification came amid reports that Hasina could address the public on Aug 5, with questions over whether broadcasting her remarks would carry legal consequences.
Speaking at his office, Aminul said the restriction was imposed in an order issued after a contempt of court petition against Hasina.
“She has not been barred from making statements. She has only been told not to make hate speech. If she makes normal statements, there is no restriction on those,” he said.
He urged the media not to broadcast any hate speech by Hasina, but said there was no legal barrier to carrying her other remarks.
On reports that Hasina would speak on Aug 5, Aminul said conflicting claims had emerged over whether she would speak live, deliver a recorded address or appear publicly.
“We have no evidence regarding the authenticity of these reports,” he said.
Whether Hasina speaks or not has no bearing on the tribunal’s work, he said, adding that the government’s task is to implement her sentence.
He dismissed the reported Aug 5 address marking “Autocrat Fall Day” as an “empty boast”, saying it would not disrupt state or private events planned for the day.
On Hasina’s appeal prospects, Aminul said the International Crimes Tribunal Act allows 30 days to appeal, but that deadline had expired.
If she returns to Bangladesh and seeks to appeal, the appellate court will decide whether the plea is admissible, he said.
There is no “automatic appeal” for a death-row convict, Aminul said. An appeal, if filed, is considered “as of right”, he explained.
He also said a fugitive suspect cannot enjoy legal benefits available to those who appear before the court.
On whether Article 104 of the Constitution’s “complete justice” provision could apply, Aminul said the issue would arise only after an appeal reaches the appellate court, which would first determine its admissibility under the law.
The prosecution is seeking speedy hearings of appeals filed to increase sentences for several convicts, including Hasina, he said.
“If these appeals are delayed, some convicts could serve their sentences and be released,” Aminul said.
He rejected the notion that Hasina received a heavier sentence because she was a fugitive, saying punishment depends on the severity of the offence and the degree of responsibility.
As head of government, Hasina’s “superior responsibility” differed from that of other suspects, he said.
“The judge will determine the proportionate sentence based on the offence proved against each person,” Aminul said.
