The government is considering taking the matter to an international court to bring back former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity, Legal Adviser Asif Nazrul said on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the Advisory Council at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, he said the government is actively pursuing all available legal options to ensure the return of the convicted individuals.

On Monday, the International Crimes Tribunal delivered its verdict in a case related to crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. The tribunal sentenced Sheikh Hasina and her then–home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death, while former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun—who testified as a state witness—received five years in prison. Since the verdict, both Hasina and Kamal have been staying inside Indian territory.

Immediately after the judgment, the Foreign Ministry issued a formal statement requesting India to return the two convicted individuals. The legal adviser has now indicated that Dhaka may escalate the matter to an international court if necessary.

“We are sending formal requests for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Kamal, both convicted of crimes against humanity. Since they have been found guilty, it is now India’s added responsibility to return them,” Asif Nazrul said.

“We are reminding India of its obligations under the extradition treaty. At the same time, we are also examining, on an urgent basis, whether steps can be taken by approaching the International Criminal Court,” he added.

Responding to a question, he said, “We share exactly the same level of optimism as reflected in your question.”

The issue of Hasina’s extradition has again drawn intense attention since the verdict. Speaking to India’s ANI, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy said he does not believe New Delhi will accept Dhaka’s request.

Analysts say the existing extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India has placed a new diplomatic challenge before the two neighbours in this evolving situation.