Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam has described as contempt of court a letter sent to the International Crimes Tribunal seeking to have the death sentence against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina overturned in a crimes against humanity case linked to the July–August unrest.
Responding to journalists at the tribunal premises on Thursday, Aminul Islam said there is no legal provision allowing a law firm to submit such a letter on behalf of a condemned convict from abroad.
He alleged that the letter—reportedly sent from London through a law firm—was a deliberate attempt to undermine and cast doubt on the tribunal’s trial proceedings.
“The convicted individual must appear in person to file an appeal against the tribunal’s verdict,” he said. “There is no scope in law to challenge the ruling through a letter submitted by a law firm while the accused remains absent.”
He also noted that neither the tribunal registrar nor the Chief Prosecutor’s Office has officially received any such letter from the London-based law firm Kingsley Napley, adding that they became aware of the matter through media reports.
Earlier, on March 30, a letter was reportedly sent via email to the tribunal by Kingsley Napley, acting on behalf of Sheikh Hasina, requesting that the death sentence be set aside.
According to the letter, the trial conducted in her absence and the imposition of the death penalty violated international legal standards and fundamental principles of justice. It described the proceedings as unfair and unlawful.
The firm also requested a response within 14 days outlining any action taken regarding the matter and indicated the possibility of raising the issue in international forums if necessary.
It is worth noting that on November 17, last year, the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death after finding her guilty in a crimes against humanity case related to killings during the mass uprising in August 2024. As she was absent during the trial, the tribunal appointed a state-funded defence counsel on her behalf.
Under Bangladeshi law, the authority to uphold or overturn such a verdict rests with the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.
