Law Minister warns of legal action if Sheikh Hasina returns

Legal action will follow if Sheikh Hasina returns to Bangladesh, says Law Minister

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman has said that Sheikh Hasina, who has been sentenced to death, will face legal action in accordance with the law if she returns to Bangladesh.

He made the remarks on Thursday (30 July) while speaking to reporters after the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on legal aid between the ministry, BRAC and BLAST at the Secretariat.

Responding to a question about Sheikh Hasina's recent interview, in which she reportedly said she plans to return to Bangladesh in December, the minister said efforts are underway to secure her extradition.

"How do you know the Ministry of Home Affairs is not trying to bring her back? It is certainly making efforts—I can assure you of that," he said.

The minister noted that, under Bangladeshi law, even a death-row convict who is a Bangladeshi citizen has the right to return to the country and surrender before the authorities.

"If she returns, the law will take its own course. She may be arrested before she can formally surrender, but that legal right remains. We will act strictly within the framework of the law and will not exceed the authority granted to us," he added.