Political parties demand Hasina’s extradition and swift execution of ICT verdict

In the immediate wake of the International Crimes Tribunal’s (ICT) historic verdict sentencing former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity, Bangladesh’s key political parties have united in calling for the rapid execution of the ruling and the immediate extradition of the fugitive former leader.

Nahid Islam, convener of the NCP, outlined the party’s position straightforwardly. “Bangladesh will find peace the day we see Sheikh Hasina hanging before our eyes and the verdict executed,” he declared at a press briefing. 

Nahid Islam described Hasina as a “murderous, authoritarian, fascist leader” and “one of the most notorious, bloodthirsty fascists in world history,” recalling atrocities committed during her 16-year rule, including the July genocide, enforced disappearances, the Pilkhana massacre, and the Shapla killings. 

Bangladesh will find peace the day we see Sheikh Hasina hanging before our eyes and the verdict executed.

Nahid Islam, chief convener of National Citizen Party (NCP)

He urged the interim government to immediately bring Hasina and co-defendant Asaduzzaman Kamal from Delhi to face justice, stressing that accountability must extend to the Awami League, Chhatra League, Jubo League, and implicated officials.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir described the tribunal’s ruling as a historic turning point for Bangladesh, declaring that the verdict against Sheikh Hasina marked “the burial of all forms of dictatorship on the soil of this country.” 

In a post on his verified Facebook page, he said the judgment was not merely a legal decision but a symbolic end to a long era of authoritarian governance. He also referenced the tribunal’s findings on the July 2024 crackdown, arguing that the scale of the atrocities demanded an equally decisive judicial response.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed echoed that sentiment, framing the verdict as both a reckoning and a warning. Calling it a “milestone,” he asserted that the case demonstrated a universal truth: “no matter how powerful fascism becomes or how tightly it clings to power, one day it must stand trial.” 

This verdict is a milestone. It will serve as an example so that no future government or individual can become fascist, authoritarian or dictatorial.

Salahuddin Ahmed, standing committee member of BNP

Although he noted that no punishment could truly reflect the gravity of the crimes committed, he stressed that the judgment would nonetheless act as a deterrent against future attempts at authoritarian rule.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mia Golam Porwar similarly welcomed the ruling, calling it a rare moment of justice for a nation that had endured prolonged political repression. He demanded that India immediately hand over Hasina, emphasising that the verdict reaffirmed the independence of the judiciary. Citing United Nations and human rights reports documenting Hasina’s abuse of power, he pledged his party’s cooperation with the court and the government to ensure the ruling is fully implemented.

If India truly values its relationship with Bangladesh, it must hand over Sheikh Hasina without delay.

Mia Golam Porwar, secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami

With Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal both sentenced to death, and former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun receiving a five-year term after turning state witness, parties across the political spectrum have characterised the verdict as a defining moment in Bangladesh’s political and judicial history. They unanimously called for the swift execution of the ruling, framing it as essential for justice, accountability, and the establishment of a new political order.