Sheikh Hasina: Bangladesh Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death for Crimes Against Humanity; Calls Verdict 'Politically Motivated'

Bangladesh's political landscape has been rocked by a landmark decision from the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD), which has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death. The tribunal found Hasina guilty of crimes against humanity, a verdict that has sent shockwaves across the nation and garnered a sharp reaction from the former premier, who is currently in India. This judgment marks a significant turning point in Bangladesh's tumultuous political history, bringing to the forefront grave allegations of human rights abuses during her tenure.

The Tribunal's Damning Verdict

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) delivered its verdict against the deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, pronouncing a death sentence. The court stated that its decision was based on extensive consideration of numerous reports from human rights organizations and other bodies, detailing severe cruelties, while the tribunal explicitly found Sheikh Hasina responsible for committing crimes against humanity. A key part of the tribunal's findings highlighted the widespread killing of a large number of unarmed protestors. It further elaborated that Awami League activists allegedly took to the streets and carried out systematic attacks with the full knowledge and direction of the party leadership, leading to severe human rights violations.

Grave Human Rights Violations Cited

The tribunal underscored that the serious violations of human rights against protestors and. Other citizens were a direct consequence of explicit orders issued by the political leadership. Prosecutors in the case had vehemently pushed for the death. Penalty for the accused, emphasizing the gravity of the crimes. A report from the United Nations Human Rights Office estimated a staggering toll, suggesting that approximately 1,400 people were killed during the 'rebellion' between July 15 and August 15, following orders from the Hasina government. On top of that, over 11,000 individuals were either detained or arrested during this period, painting a grim picture of the state's actions against its own populace.

Sheikh Hasina's Fiery Rebuttal

In a strong and unequivocal response, Bangladesh's deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sharply criticized the International Crimes Tribunal's (ICT-BD) verdict against her, while she issued a statement dismissing the judgment as "politically motivated, rigged, and a conspiracy" orchestrated by the non-elected interim government. Hasina asserted that radical elements within the interim government are actively. Seeking to eliminate her and the Awami League from the political arena. She further challenged the legitimacy of the ICT, stating it isn't an impartial court and is being operated by a government that lacks any public mandate or democratic legitimacy.

Allegations of an Unfair Trial

Hasina's statement further elaborated on her claims of an unfair judicial process. She contended that none of the charges leveled against her in the ICT were accurate, and that the violence-related trial was never genuinely aimed at achieving justice, while according to her, the entire legal proceeding was designed to incriminate the Awami League and divert global attention from the failures of the interim government. She specifically highlighted that she was denied the opportunity to present her defense in court and was also deprived of her right to choose her preferred legal counsel, thereby undermining the fundamental principles of a fair trial.

Critique of the Yunus Administration

Sheikh Hasina launched a scathing attack on the current administration under Yunus, alleging a severe deterioration of public services and governance. She claimed that under Yunus's rule, public services have collapsed, police have retreated from the streets, and judicial impartiality has been severely compromised. Hasina pointed to an alarming increase in unchecked attacks on Awami. League supporters, as well as on Hindus and other religious minorities. She also raised concerns about the suppression of women's rights and the growing influence of Islamic fundamentalists within the administration, who she believes are actively attempting to undermine Bangladesh's long-standing secular governmental traditions.

Rise of Extremism and Economic Stagnation

Hasina further accused the Yunus government of actively protecting Islamic fundamentalists, allowing them to operate with impunity. She highlighted the arrests of journalists, indicating a crackdown on media freedom, and lamented the stagnation of economic development, while What's more, she accused Yunus of deliberately postponing elections and systematically excluding the country's oldest political party, the Awami League, from the electoral process. This, she argued, is a clear attempt to consolidate power without a popular mandate and to dismantle democratic institutions.

Order to Seize Properties

Adding to the severity of the judgment, the court has ordered the seizure of all properties belonging to Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Kamal located in Bangladesh. Responding to this directive, Hasina reiterated her stance, stating that the decision against her is "wrong, biased, and politically motivated. " She emphasized that the verdict was delivered by a tribunal run by a non-elected government that lacks any public mandate. She concluded by asserting that the public is well aware that the entire case isn't an investigation into actual events but rather a targeted attempt to malign the Awami League, while she called for the next elections in Bangladesh to be entirely free and fair, emphasizing that Dr. Yunus wasn't elected by the people.