Government Considers ICC Method for Extraditing Hasina and Kamal from India

The current government is exploring the possibility of engaging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to secure the return of two high-profile fugitive convicts from India: ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.

The Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser, Prof Dr Asif Nazrul, announced this development during a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy, held following a Council of Advisers meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Prof Nazrul stated that a meeting will be held soon to determine whether they can approach the ICC regarding the repatriation of these individuals.

In parallel, the government plans to officially send a letter to India requesting the extradition of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Both have been convicted and sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) in Bangladesh for crimes against humanity.

Prof Nazrul emphasized that since the two are now convicted and facing the death sentence, the government believes India has an "additional responsibility" to return them to fulfill the Bangladeshi people's desire for justice. The letter serves as a reminder to India to fulfill its obligations under the existing extradition agreement.