UK politicians urge govt to secure guarantees for Hasina if she returns

Six British politicians have urged the UK government to seek assurances from Bangladesh that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will not face execution if she returns to the country in December, reports India-based The Economic Times.

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

They want the UK government to ensure that she is protected from torture, enforced disappearance and political violence, while also seeking guarantees against physical attacks during her return, transportation, court appearances and detention.

According to the report, the politicians further called for 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 also sought 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 include 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 began a day after the former prime minister said she had requested a passport to return to Bangladesh.