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Ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina will be taken into custody and sent to jail immediately if she returns to Bangladesh, International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Aminul Islam said on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters, Aminul Islam said Hasina would not have the opportunity to surrender before the court if she is returned under an extradition arrangement.
“The government has requested India to hand over Sheikh Hasina. If she remains under the jurisdiction of the Indian government, she cannot return on her own. She will either be extradited to Bangladesh under the existing treaty or be pushed back,” he said.
His remarks came after Reuters reported that Sheikh Hasina, who has been staying in India since leaving Bangladesh, said she plans to return to the country in December and surrender before the court.
In a telephone interview with Reuters on Thursday, Hasina reportedly said she would return alongside several exiled senior Awami League leaders and surrender to the judicial process.
Responding to questions on the matter, the Chief Prosecutor said the Bangladesh government is pursuing diplomatic efforts to secure her return.
He added that, as Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death in a case, she would naturally be sent to prison upon her return.
“After she is taken into custody and imprisoned, the legal process, including whether she can file an appeal, will proceed in accordance with the law,” Aminul Islam said.