Letter seeking quashing of Sheikh Hasina's death sentence is contemptuous: Chief Prosecutor

Chief Prosecutor Lawyer Md. Aminul Islam has said that the letter sent to the International Crimes Tribunal seeking quashing of the death sentence against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is contemptuous.

He said: "There is no legal scope for a death row convict to send a letter through a law firm from the UK. The letter was sent to the tribunal with the aim of disputing it."

Noting that the tribunal will continue its activities at its normal pace, he said: "We who are working on the prosecution do not have the opportunity to talk or think about these things, we do not have the time."

Prominent London-based law firm Kingsley Napley previously claimed it had sent a letter to the ICT contesting the legality and fairness of a trial against Hasina. The letter also requested the tribunal to respond within 14 days.

ICT Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam appeared and spoke about the issue to the media on Thursday.

It is worth noting that the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death in a case of crimes against humanity for the killing of students and people during the suppression of the anti-discrimination movement on November 17 last year. As she was absent during the trial, a lawyer was appointed for her. According to the law, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has the power to change or uphold this verdict.