Protect Sheikh Hasina if she returns to Dhaka: UK leaders to govt

New Delhi: Six British politicians have urged the UK government to seek assurances from Bangladesh that former PM Sheikh Hasina will not face execution if she returns to the country in December.

The members of parliament called for an independent review of the legal proceedings that resulted in Hasina being sentenced to death for crimes against humanity.

The MPs want the UK government to ensure that she is protected from torture, enforced disappearance and political violence. They also sought assurances against physical attacks during her return, transportation, court appearances and detention. The MPs want Hasina to have access to lawyers of her choice, a fair opportunity to challenge her conviction and sentence, and independent judicial scrutiny of any detention. They called for an independent examination of unresolved evidence and allegations of interference in the judicial process, including through the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.


The signatories to the letter are Conservative MP Bob, former European Parliament member Charles Tannock, Scottish parliamentarians Martyn Day, Paul McLennan and Alan Brown, and UK MP Seamus Logan.

Meanwhile, nationwide protests by activists of Hasina's Awami League started a day after the former PM said she had requested a passport to return to Bangladesh.