Last Updated on November 18, 2025 8:06 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
Zakir Hossain from Dhaka
Leading international human rights organisations—including Human Rights Watch (HRW), the UN Human Rights Office, and Amnesty International—have expressed deep concern over the fairness and legitimacy of the trial that sentenced former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and ex–home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death in absentia.
HRW stated that the proceedings “fell far short of international fair trial standards,” pointing to the lack of legal representation chosen by the accused, the inability to present defence evidence or cross-examine witnesses, and the use of the death penalty.
Meenakshi Ganguly, HRW’s deputy Asia director, said that despite anger over abuses under Hasina’s rule, “accountability must come after impartial investigations and credible trials.”
The UN Human Rights Office echoed similar concerns. OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani noted that although the verdict is “an important moment for victims,” any trial—especially one leading to capital punishment—must be conducted with unquestionable due process. She urged Bangladesh to ensure broader mechanisms for transitional justice, including truth-telling, reparations, and security sector reform.
Amnesty International condemned the verdict as “neither fair nor just,” highlighting the tribunal’s lack of independence, the unusually fast pace of the trial, and inadequate time for the court-appointed defence to prepare.
“Victims deserve justice, but the death penalty only worsens human rights violations,” Amnesty chief Agnès Callamard said.
The International Crisis Group (ICG) warned of intensified political tensions ahead of the 2026 elections. Senior consultant Thomas Kean said the verdict makes Hasina’s political return “highly unlikely” and urged all parties to avoid violence or heavy-handed measures during this volatile period.
Bangladesh has formally asked India to extradite Hasina and Kamal under a bilateral treaty. HRW has advised India that any extradition must follow due process and avoid exposing individuals to unfair trials or the death penalty.
Bangladesh tribunal to seek Interpol help to bring back Sheikh Hasina
Zakir Hossain from Dhaka
The prosecution of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is moving to seek Interpol’s assistance, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to repatriate deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim said on Tuesday. Tamim said an earlier application is being updated and a fresh request will soon be filed to issue Interpol notices based on the conviction warrants. “Work on the process has already begun,” he said.
Hasina and Kamal, believed to be in India, were sentenced to death on Monday by ICT-1 for crimes against humanity committed during the July 2024 student uprising.
The tribunal also handed a five-year sentence to former IG of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who turned approver and detailed his role before the court.
Tamim said certified copies of the verdict will be provided to the prosecution and to the accused who were present in court. Absconding convicts may receive certified copies free of cost if they surrender or are arrested within 30 days.
Another copy of the judgment will be sent to the Dhaka district magistrate for compliance, he added.