Nahid calls for execution of Hasina's death sentence if she returns

Highlights

• Nahid demands Hasina's death sentence be enforced upon return
• Urges govt to repatriate Hasina through diplomatic, legal channels
• Claims Hasina's return depends on Dhaka-Delhi political understanding
• Warns against political unrest over Hasina's possible return

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam today (10 July) said the death sentence handed down against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina should be carried out if she returns to Bangladesh.

Speaking as the chief guest at an event organised by the SME Foundation to mark International MSME Day in Dhaka, he urged the government to pursue diplomatic and legal efforts to bring her back.

His remarks came after Reuters published an interview today in which Hasina said she and senior Awami League leaders planned to return from exile in India around December and surrender.

Hasina plans December return with party colleagues to surrender

"Today we saw an interview in which it was said that someone plans to return to the country in December. Our demand is that the country has already suffered 16 years of destruction. Now we want her to return so that the death sentence can be carried out," he said.

Nahid added, "A verdict has already been delivered in Bangladesh. It is now the government's responsibility to bring back the person responsible for genocide through proper diplomatic and legal channels and enforce the judgment."

Referring to reports about Hasina's possible return, he claimed the decision was not hers alone. "She speaks according to the approval she receives from Delhi. Whether she returns to Bangladesh and whether the verdict is implemented will depend on the diplomatic and political understanding between Dhaka and Delhi.

"Sheikh Hasina or the Awami League is no longer a political party," said Nahid, also the opposition chief whip in parliament.

No lack of diplomatic efforts to bring back Hasina, says Shama Obaed

He also said it would be up to the Bangladesh government to determine how and when she would return and whether she would surrender.

"The government will discuss the matter with Delhi. It will decide when and how she is brought back to the country and how the court's verdict is enforced," he said.

Nahid further said that those who participated in the 2024 July Uprising were prepared to respond to any untoward political developments.

"We are ready for any situation to protect the country's independence, sovereignty and economy. If anyone attempts to create political instability centred on Sheikh Hasina or the Awami League, and the government encourages it, the government itself will suffer the most.

"All those who took part in the July Uprising, the 30,000 injured, and the families of the 1,400 martyrs are prepared," he said.