Hasina's Appeal Deadline Has Expired: Nahid

Nahid Islam, convener of National Citizen Party (NCP) and opposition chief whip in parliament, has said there is no legal scope for ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to appeal against her death sentence, urging the government to arrest her immediately upon arrival in Bangladesh and execute the court’s verdict.

Speaking today at a programme, titled “Smaran Gathay July: Biplober Dinguli”, organised by the Dhaka University unit of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti, Nahid said Hasina’s 30‑day window to file an appeal had already expired without any submission on her behalf.

“There was a 30‑day window to file an appeal. No appeal was filed on Sheikh Hasina’s behalf within that period. Therefore, there is no scope for an appeal against the verdict,” he said.

Referring to media reports, Nahid said, “We have seen reports that fascist Hasina said she would return to the country in December to surrender. We know December is the month of surrender. Whether Sheikh Hasina returns in December or at any other time is for the Bangladesh government to determine.”

“She will return, and as soon as she arrives, she will be arrested at the airport and the verdict against her will be executed,” Nahid added.

He reiterated that the government had already made its position clear that surrender was not an option.

Expressing hope that the judicial process would move forward, Nahid said, “We expect the Supreme Court, in the interest of complete justice, to uphold the death sentence against Sheikh Hasina and declare that it be executed once she returns to the country. We want to see progress in the judicial process from this government.”