Photo: Collected

SANGSAD BHABAN, July 14, 2026 (BSS) - Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today said in Jatiya Sangsad (JS) that the government is continuing its efforts under the existing extradition arrangement to bring ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh for trial.

He said if Sheikh Hasina returns to the country, the verdict against her would be executed in accordance with the law, adding that the government is also sincerely working to bring the Bangladesh Awami League as a political party under the trial process.

Taking part in a short discussion on a matter of urgent public importance under Rule 68 in parliament on the "Trial of the July Mass Uprising and Genocide", the Home Minister said the government has taken all necessary measures to ensure justice over the incidents of killings, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and crimes against humanity committed before the July Mass Uprising.

The discussion was initiated through a notice raised by NCP lawmaker from Rangpur-4, Akhter Hossen.

Referring to the law minister's earlier statement, Salahuddin Ahmed said Sheikh Hasina is a convicted fugitive and, under the country's prevailing laws, she would be arrested immediately upon her return and the court's verdict would be enforced through due legal process.

He said the government has been persistently urging the relevant foreign country under the extradition arrangement to return Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh so that she can face trial.

The Home Minister also said the trial process against the Awami League as a political organisation is progressing and investigations in this regard are continuing at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).

"If necessary, the number of tribunals, prosecutors, investigators and logistical support will be further increased," he added.

Salahuddin Ahmed said the government's objective is not vengeance but ensuring justice. "It is committed to completing the trials of all cases relating to those killed and injured during the July Mass Uprising,"

He also said the democratic institutions of the state would be further strengthened while maintaining national unity to prevent any recurrence of fascism in the future.

Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman said Sheikh Hasina is a convicted person in the eyes of the law and therefore has no scope to surrender under the country's existing legal framework.

He said Sheikh Hasina would be arrested immediately upon entering Bangladesh in accordance with the law.

Describing the July Mass Uprising as a 'recognised historical truth' and a 'major milestone' in the country's constitutional and political transformation, the law minister said investigations into 16 cases related to the July killings have been completed since the incumbent government assumed office.

"Of those, investigation reports in 12 cases have already been submitted, while charges have been framed in four cases," he said.

The law minister added that verdicts have already been delivered in three cases, including the Abu Sayeed murder case. Investigations into the Shapla Chattar killings, the case against the Awami League as an organisation, and district-level killings have also begun.

He said that out of 590 complaints submitted to the tribunal, 109 cases were selected for prosecution. Investigation reports have been filed in 43 cases, trials have been completed in six cases, 16 people have been sentenced to death, 11 to life imprisonment and 35 to different jail terms.

Besides, 26 cases are currently under trial while verdicts in four others are awaiting delivery, he added.

Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the state has a responsibility towards those who were martyred, injured and permanently disabled during the July Mass Uprising.

He urged the government to take more effective measures to ensure their treatment, rehabilitation and a dignified life, saying the nation must never forget those whose sacrifices paved the way for a new Bangladesh.

He also called for the early inauguration of the July Memorial Museum and making the July Foundation more effective and vibrant.

Describing July as the culmination of a long movement, Dr Shafiqur Rahman stressed that there should be no negligence in fulfilling the state's responsibilities towards those who sacrificed their lives or suffered injuries and permanent disabilities.

He called on all political forces to uphold national unity, ensure a speedy, impartial and fair trial over the July killings, and build the country by embracing the spirit of July.

Chief Whip of the Opposition Nahid Islam said the contributions and sacrifices of women during the July Mass Uprising should be duly recognised and appropriate initiatives should be taken to preserve its memory.

He called for strengthening the capacity of the International Crimes Tribunal through the appointment of competent judges and prosecutors and, if necessary, the establishment of additional tribunals to expedite the trial process.

He also urged the government to ensure proper investigation of the cases and accelerate judicial proceedings, including the trial of the Awami League.

State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque Nur, opposition lawmaker from Dhaka-14 Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem, and opposition reserved-seat member Rokeya Begum, mother of martyred Jabir Ibrahim, also took part in the discussion.