Sheikh Hasina Decries “Rigged Tribunal” After Death Sentence

Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, vehemently rejected a death sentence handed down by the country’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on November 17, 2023. The verdict, issued after a trial in absentia, has been characterized by Hasina as the product of a “biased” and “rigged tribunal” functioning under an “unelected government with no democratic mandate.” The 78-year-old leader, who has been living in India since her ousting on August 5, 2022, following widespread protests, contends that the ruling reflects the “brazen and murderous intent” of individuals within the interim government against her and her party.

In a pointed statement, Hasina declared her complete denial of the charges levied against her. The ICT described her as the “mastermind and principal architect” behind violent actions during student-led protests that resulted in numerous fatalities. Following the verdict, Hasina was declared a fugitive by the court.

Claims of Political Motives

Hasina criticized the ICT for what she claims is a politically motivated prosecution aimed at suppressing the Awami League, her political party, and eliminating her as a significant political figure. “They are biased and politically motivated,” she stated, while also condemning the call for the death penalty as indicative of the government’s intentions to eradicate her party’s influence.

She challenged the interim government to present these charges in a legitimate tribunal, specifically the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, where she believes the evidence could be examined fairly. Hasina emphasized that the current administration, led by Mohammad Yunus, aims to distract from its failings and consolidate power through such trials.

The ruling comes just months before parliamentary elections scheduled for February 2024, during which the Awami League has been barred from participating. Hasina expressed her belief that the people of Bangladesh are aware of the government’s attempts to undermine their democratic rights.

Allegations Against the Interim Government

In her statement, Hasina outlined a grim picture of the current state of Bangladesh under Yunus’s administration. She accused the government of failing to maintain public order, allowing crime to flourish, and undermining judicial independence. Reports of violence against religious minorities and assaults on women’s rights were also highlighted, as she described a climate of fear and oppression.

“Under his aegis, public services have fallen apart,” Hasina claimed, adding that the security forces have been ineffective, and attacks on Awami League supporters have gone unpunished. She further criticized the government for stifling media freedom and delaying elections, actions she believes are designed to maintain control over the political landscape.

Despite the contentious backdrop of her trial, Hasina expressed sorrow over the loss of life during the protests of July and August 2022, stating, “I mourn all of the deaths that occurred in July and August of last year, on both sides of the political divide.” She maintained that neither she nor any political leader had ordered the killings of protesters, reiterating her lack of fair representation during the trial.

Hasina’s comments reflect her ongoing battle against what she perceives as a politically motivated campaign to undermine her legacy and the Awami League’s standing in Bangladesh. As the country approaches a critical election period, the implications of the ICT’s verdict could significantly shape the political landscape and the future of democratic governance in Bangladesh.