File photo: Sheikh Hasina
Dhaka: “Whether you come in December or January is your decision, but we want you tomorrow,” the International Crimes Court prosecutor in Bangladesh said, days after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina confirmed she would return and surrender by December.It was ICT – which heard several cases against her – that sentenced her to death in absentia in a “crimes against humanity” case last year.However, upon her surrender, Prosecutor Mohammad Aminul Islam said Hasina would be sent directly to prison if she returned to Bangladesh from India under an extradition treaty, with no legal opportunity to surrender before the court.“If she is under the control of the Indian government, she will not be able to return on her own. She will either be extradited to Bangladesh under the extradition treaty or she will be sent back,” he told reporters on Sunday, a day after his “We want you tomorrow” remarks.On Saturday, Hasina also warned against doing any stunts or creating more instability in the country. Urging people not to lose faith in the trial process, Islam said ICT activities have gained momentum under the BNP government led by Tariq Rahman, and prosecution of crimes committed during the 2024 “mass uprising” – which ousted Hasina as prime minister – is being pursued not only against individuals but also at the organizational level.
