International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Md. Aminul Islam stated on Tuesday that issuing a Bangladeshi passport or travel pass to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina would be a "mockery of justice."
Speaking to journalists, Aminul cited the Bangladesh Passport Order (1973) with noting that Sections 6 and 7 explicitly bar passport issuance or mandate cancellation for individuals convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude or those absconding from trials. He emphasized that Hasina was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity and falls squarely under these restrictive provisions.
Addressing arguments concerning constitutional rights, the chief prosecutor clarified that Article 36 of the Constitution which guarantees ordinary citizens the right to enter and leave the country does not apply to convicted fugitives evading judicial proceedings. Commenting on reports that London-based Matrix Chambers applied for a passport on her behalf in India, Aminul dismissed the move as legally invalid with noting that personal applications are mandatory and no public representation agreement exists.
He advised that if Hasina wishes to return to Bangladesh, she must formally apply to the Indian government for repatriation under the bilateral extradition treaty as unofficial or travel-pass returns hold no legal standing.
