DHAKA, Apr 02 (V7N) — The Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), Mohammad Tajul Islam (referenced as Aminul Islam in recent briefings), clarified on Thursday that the prosecution has not received any formal communication from fugitive death row convict Sheikh Hasina or any representing agencies.

The statement follows reports that the London-based legal firm Kingsley Napley LLP had reportedly emailed the tribunal seeking an annulment of her death sentence, alleging violations of international human rights.

Legal Standing of Fugitive Defendants

The Chief Prosecutor addressed the media to dispel rumors regarding the legal representation of the former Prime Minister:

  • No Representation for Fugitives: Under existing laws governing the tribunal, a defendant who is "on the run" or absconding has no legal standing to appoint a lawyer or contest a verdict until they surrender to the court.

  • Contempt of Court: He emphasized that attempting to influence the tribunal through external letters while remaining a fugitive is "tantamount to contempt of court."

  • Status of the Letter: The prosecution maintained that they have no record of the aforementioned email from the UK-based firm and reiterated that such correspondence holds no judicial merit in the current context.

Progress in July Movement Cases

Beyond the status of the former Prime Minister, the ICT saw significant movement in other high-profile cases related to the July uprising:

  • Investigation Report against 22 Leaders: The prosecution formally received the investigation report against 22 individuals, including former Information Minister Hasan Mahmud, concerning the killing of 13 people during the July movement.

  • Hasanul Huq Inu Case: Lawyers for Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President Hasanul Huq Inu filed an application on Thursday seeking a "re-investigation" into the murder charges filed against him related to the same period.

Context of the Tribunal's Verdicts

The International Crimes Tribunal has recently intensified its proceedings against top officials of the previous administration. Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia for "crimes against humanity" and "genocide" during the student-led mass uprising in 2025. The government has already initiated diplomatic channels and issued Red Notices through INTERPOL to ensure her extradition to face the execution of the sentence.

The tribunal is expected to hear the defense's application for the re-investigation of the Hasanul Huq Inu case in the coming week, as investigators continue to compile evidence against several other high-ranking former ministers and security officials.

END/SMA/AJ