LONDON, Nov 11: Six British parliamentarians have urged Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband to initiate coordinated diplomatic efforts to ensure that former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina is protected from the possibility of execution if she returns to Dhaka to face legal proceedings.
In a letter submitted to the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on October 27, the lawmakers called for firm assurances from Bangladeshi authorities that Hasina would not face capital punishment. They also sought appropriate legal safeguards to ensure that any proceedings against her meet international standards of justice.
The appeal has received cross-party support, with Conservative MP Bob Blackman, Democratic Unionist Party representative Jim Shannon and Scottish National Party MP Seamus Logan among the signatories. Three members of the Scottish Parliament, Martyn Day, Paul McLennan and Alan Brown, have also endorsed the initiative, along with former European Parliament member Dr Charles Tannock.
The parliamentarians expressed concern that criminal proceedings against the former prime minister could become an extension of political rivalry rather than an impartial pursuit of justice.
They maintained that allegations against Hasina should be examined through independent investigations and transparent judicial procedures, warning against the possibility of legal action being used to target political opponents.
The letter outlines four major areas where the UK should take diplomatic initiative: securing protection against execution and other serious harm, ensuring independent judicial scrutiny and effective legal remedies, establishing international monitoring mechanisms, and encouraging mediation and political reconciliation in Bangladesh.
The lawmakers specifically demanded an unequivocal written commitment from the relevant Bangladeshi authorities ruling out Hasina’s execution, backed by legal provisions that would make such an assurance effective.
Their intervention comes amid reports that a London-based legal chamber has contacted the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi regarding the issuance of a fresh passport and national identity card for Hasina. The former leader has reportedly expressed her intention to return to Bangladesh in December and face the legal cases against her.
Hasina, 79, has been residing in India since August 2024, when she left Bangladesh following a student-led uprising that brought an end to her Awami League-led government.
Her departure marked a significant political turning point for Bangladesh, triggering major changes in the country’s political and administrative landscape.
Subsequently, she was convicted in absentia in a case involving alleged crimes against humanity linked to the government’s crackdown on protesters during the uprising. A death sentence was handed down against her in the case.
Hasina has rejected the allegations and questioned the credibility and legitimacy of the judicial proceedings conducted in her absence.
In their communication to Miliband, the British lawmakers referred to concerns raised by international human rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch, regarding the fairness of the trial.
They pointed to questions surrounding Hasina’s ability to participate meaningfully in her defence and the reported absence of legal representation by counsel of her own choosing.
The signatories argued that any judicial process must provide the former prime minister with a genuine opportunity to contest the conviction and sentence. They stressed that she should be allowed meaningful access to lawyers selected by her and effective legal mechanisms to challenge the verdict.
They also raised concerns about constitutional provisions in Bangladesh that could restrict access to certain legal remedies, urging the UK government to examine these issues as part of its diplomatic engagement.
The parliamentarians further called for international oversight to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the legal process. They believe independent monitoring would help establish confidence in the proceedings and reduce concerns about political interference.
Highlighting Britain’s historical and diplomatic relationship with Bangladesh, the lawmakers said the situation deserved particular attention from the UK, especially given Bangladesh’s membership of the Commonwealth.
They urged the British government to use its diplomatic influence to encourage respect for human rights, judicial independence and political stability in the South Asian nation.
The appeal places renewed international attention on Hasina’s legal situation as questions surrounding her possible return, the death sentence and the fairness of proceedings continue to shape discussions about Bangladesh’s political future.