Post by : Rameen Ariff

In an unexpected turn of events, Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has been sentenced to death in absentia by the nation’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) due to accusations of "crimes against humanity" associated with last year’s violent protests led by students. Hasina, who previously held the premiership for over ten years, firmly denies the allegations, denouncing the trial as biased and driven by political agendas.

Following the verdict, Hasina criticized the tribunal, asserting that it has allowed "brutal forces in an unelected administration" to manipulate justice. She indicated that the ICT has denied her and her political party, the Awami League, a fair opportunity to defend against the claims, noting the influence of judges and lawyers sympathetic to the interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr. Mohammad Yunus.

“I completely refute the allegations made against me by the ICT,” Hasina remarked. “I lament all fatalities from last year’s events on both sides, but neither I nor any political leader authorized violence against the demonstrators.”

The tribunal, presided over by Justice Mohd. Golam Mortuza Majumder, found Hasina along with former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-police chief Chowdhury Al-Mamun guilty of three accusations, which included orchestrating violence against protestors. While Hasina and Kamal were convicted in absentia, Al-Mamun was granted a pardon after he expressed remorse to the tribunal and the public.

Hasina outlined several points in her defense:

1. Several judges and lawyers, who once showed support for the Awami League, have faced intimidation or removal.

2. The ICT has specifically targeted Awami League members while neglecting violence perpetrated by other political groups.

3. No actions have been taken against documented abuses by opposition parties against minorities and civilians.

She severely condemned the interim government for allegedly exploiting the trial to vilify her party and distract from its own shortcomings. “The countless Bangladeshis suffering under Dr. Yunus's chaotic regime will not be misled,” she asserted.

This judgment comes amidst escalating political tensions in Bangladesh, with Hasina’s supporters denouncing what they perceive as a "politically charged trial" aimed at suppressing dissent. The former Prime Minister has called for an impartial international court, such as the International Criminal Court in The Hague, to ensure an equitable evaluation of the evidence.

Experts warn that this ruling could exacerbate national divisions and provoke protests from Awami League supporters, while casting doubt globally on the independence of Bangladesh’s ICT. Concerns over the tribunal’s fairness and independence have been raised by various human rights organizations and international observers.

As a significant figure in Bangladeshi politics, Sheikh Hasina now confronts the most severe legal challenge of her tenure, while her supporters prepare for a fierce legal and political confrontation that may have profound implications for governance, justice, and democracy across Bangladesh.

This pivotal ruling highlights the current political turbulence in the country, drawing attention to entrenched divisions and the continuing struggle for power, accountability, and the rule of law in Bangladesh.

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