The Bangladesh government will seek to bring former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina back from India through the existing extradition treaty and established legal procedures, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Dr Zahed Ur Rahman has said.

He said the government sees no legal complications in bringing Hasina back to face trial over the crimes for which she has been convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).

The adviser made the remarks on Tuesday (November 10) while responding to questions from journalists during a briefing at the Secretariat.

He said Hasina was not an ordinary criminal but a convicted accused in serious crimes against humanity. He also referred to the constitutional provisions concerning the suspension or restriction of certain fundamental rights for those convicted of crimes against humanity.

Regarding her extradition from India, the adviser said the Indian government had previously raised concerns over legal complications. However, he argued that since Hasina herself had repeatedly expressed her desire to return to Bangladesh, questions over legal complications or lengthy court proceedings should not arise.

He said an extradition treaty was already in place between Bangladesh and India and that a formal request had been sent through official channels under the agreement.

Responding to questions about Hasina's passport and the full verdict of the International Crimes Tribunal, Zahed Ur Rahman said a law firm had sent a letter to Delhi, but Hasina herself had not formally applied for a passport.

He added that the short-form verdict of the tribunal was already in effect, while publication of the full verdict was a regular procedure that would be completed in due course.

The adviser said the government's priority was to bring Hasina back by following all applicable procedures and rules, rather than through any unclear or inconsistent process, and bring her before the court to face justice.