Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Six Months in Prison for Contempt of Court. The decision was made by the International Crimes Tribunal. She has been in exile in India since last year.
Bangladesh: Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister and Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to six months in prison in a case of contempt of court. The decision was handed down by a three-member bench of the International Crimes Tribunal-1, presided over by Justice Mohammad Ghulam Mortuza Majumdar. This ruling is seen as a significant legal action against Sheikh Hasina.
Sheikh Hasina Accused of Contempt
The sentence against Sheikh Hasina stems from an alleged audio call that surfaced last October. In the audio, a voice resembling that of Hasina is heard saying, "227 cases have been filed against me, so I have a license to kill 227 people." The prosecution deemed this statement highly disrespectful to the judiciary and as an attempt to influence the judicial process.
Shakil Akand Bulbul Also Sentenced
Along with Sheikh Hasina, the tribunal also sentenced Shakil Akand Bulbul, a political figure from Dhaka, to two months in prison. Bulbul, hailing from Gobindaganj, Gaibandha, has been associated with the Awami League's student wing, the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL). He was also found guilty of contempt of court based on the same audio call.
Sheikh Hasina's Departure from the Country and Asylum in India
This case emerged at a time when Sheikh Hasina has been out of the country for the past year. Following the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024, nationwide protests erupted in Bangladesh. Amidst violent clashes and administrative instability during these demonstrations, Sheikh Hasina left the country and sought refuge in India. According to reports, she is residing in New Delhi, seeking asylum.
Audio Call Escalates the Situation
The entire controversy originated from the audio call, which was leaked and went viral on social media. The call allegedly featured a conversation between Sheikh Hasina and Shakil Akand Bulbul. It contained sharp comments about the judiciary and ongoing legal cases. The prosecution argued that the statements constituted an attempt to interfere in the cases related to the widespread nationwide rebellion.
Tribunal's Proceedings
After hearing arguments from all parties, the bench of the International Crimes Tribunal-1 delivered its verdict. The court stated that such statements not only affect the justice process but also erode public trust in the law. The court considered it a serious case of contempt and determined the sentence accordingly.
