Legal Adviser Asif Nazrul Announces Steps for Return of Convicted Leaders; Historic Ruling on Caretaker Government

During a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Thursday, Legal Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul, accompanied by Principal Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, announced that letters are being sent to India to facilitate the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both of whom have been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising.

Professor Nazrul stated that since both individuals are now convicted, the government believes India has an added responsibility to return them. The letters remind India to fulfill its obligations under the extradition agreement and help satisfy the Bangladeshi people’s demand for justice. In parallel, the government will soon decide whether approaching the International Crimes Court to secure their return is feasible.

The convictions were issued on November 17 by the International Crimes Tribunal, which sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death, while former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun received a five-year prison term.

Caretaker Government and Referendum

Separately, the Supreme Court’s Appellate Division has nullified a 14-year-old verdict that had previously annulled the 13th constitutional amendment, which introduced the caretaker government system. The court also resolved pending appeals and review petitions regarding this ruling, effectively reactivating the caretaker government provisions for future elections.

Speaking on this, Professor Asif Nazrul called the decision “historic,” noting that the caretaker government system had previously ensured free and fair elections and allowed the opposition to have a genuine chance of winning. However, a past verdict under a former Chief Justice had declared the system illegal, which was later exploited by the then-ruling Awami League to abolish it through the 15th amendment.

He added that the recent court decision overturns that earlier controversial judgment, thereby reinstating the caretaker government framework. However, it will only take effect after the next parliamentary dissolution, as the caretaker government is activated when parliament is dissolved.

Regarding preparations for a referendum, the Legal Adviser confirmed that the government plans to issue the necessary ordinance within the next three to four working days to enable the process.