Bangladesh Political Crisis: Sheikh Hasina's Trial Verdict Set for November 17 Amid Rising Tensions and Diplomatic Strain with India

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her willingness to participate in upcoming elections through her party, the Awami League, if given the opportunity.

Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus administration has expressed significant displeasure with India for allowing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina media access while unrest continues in Dhaka and other major cities. This comes as Hasina awaits her trial verdict regarding last year's protests that resulted in hundreds of casualties.

On Wednesday, Bangladesh's Foreign Minister summoned India's Deputy High Commissioner in Dhaka to express their concerns about Hasina being provided "a platform to spew hatred and advocate terrorist acts inside Bangladesh."

According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), the state news agency, "The ministry reportedly conveyed that harbouring such a notorious fugitive currently under trial for committing crimes against humanity and granting her a platform to spew hatred and advocate terrorist acts inside Bangladesh are unhelpful to fostering a constructive bilateral relationship between the two countries."

The report further stated, "The Indian diplomat was asked to convey to New Delhi Bangladesh's request to immediately discontinue Hasina's access to media."

This diplomatic tension emerged after Hasina gave her first interviews to several Western and Indian media outlets since her August 2024 ousting, just days before her trial for alleged atrocities during her administration and last year's protests.

A special tribunal in Dhaka has announced that the verdict against Hasina, who faces charges of crimes against humanity related to the crackdown on student-led protests that ended her 15-year rule, will be delivered on November 17.

In the 15 months since fleeing to Delhi, Hasina has been residing at an undisclosed location in India. Speaking to the Indian Express, she expressed her desire to return to Bangladesh but stated this would only be possible once Dhaka holds "free, fair and participatory elections."

In an interview with the New Indian Express, Hasina confirmed that her party, the Awami League, would participate in upcoming parliamentary elections if permitted. She also acknowledged the "leadership's responsibility" for the deaths of "thousands of citizens" during the mass protests against her government from July 15 to August 5, 2024.

Speaking with PTI, she accused the unelected Yunus administration of "endangering ties with India and empowering extremist forces." Contrasting her foreign policy with the current interim government, she expressed confidence that the "broad and deep" relationship between Dhaka and New Delhi should withstand what she called the "foolhardiness of the Yunus interlude." Hasina also thanked the Indian government for providing refuge, stating she was "immensely grateful to India's government and its people for their kind hospitality."

In her interview with News18, Hasina dismissed reports suggesting American involvement in supporting groups that sought her removal from power, maintaining she had "good relationships with successive US administrations." She insisted there was "no reason to believe" Washington or other foreign powers were directly involved in Bangladesh's political developments.

Hasina and her now-banned Awami League party called for a nationwide "lockdown" on Thursday to protest her trial, significantly disrupting daily life across Bangladesh.

Crude bomb explosions and vehicle arson have been reported in Dhaka and other regions over the past three days, indicating ongoing political instability in a country with a history of political violence. Wednesday evening saw a train and bus reportedly set on fire in Dhaka, while the previous day crude bombs exploded on the Dhaka University campus.

Due to the unrest and Thursday's protest call, schools in Dhaka and other major cities switched to online classes and examinations. Public transportation was also disrupted as the Yunus-led interim government increased security measures nationwide.

The Awami League denied involvement in the violence, stating: "Now, in an attempt to undermine the success of this democratic movement, the so-called government and its allies are conspiring. They are either committing or sponsoring acts of terrorism and violence themselves, then trying to shift the blame onto the Awami League. There is no evidence that Awami League leaders or activists have been involved in any of the places where such incidents occurred."

The Awami League's headquarters in Dhaka was set on fire by rioters, marking the second such incident since the party's government was ousted last year.

The interim government has deployed security forces throughout multiple cities, including Dhaka. Approximately 17,000 Dhaka Metropolitan Police personnel, along with other security forces like the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), have been positioned across the country to maintain order.

Vehicle movement toward Jamuna, the state guest house serving as Muhammad Yunus's official residence as chief adviser of the Interim Government, has been restricted as protests intensify.

Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) will announce its verdict on Hasina's trial on November 17. The former prime minister and two others face charges of crimes against humanity for alleged atrocities during her tenure and during the August 2023 protests that overthrew the Awami League government.

The other two defendants are former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former inspector general of police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Mamun has turned state witness and provided testimony during the trial. The tribunal formally charged the three accused on July 10, with proceedings broadcast live on state television.

Of the three accused, Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan remain fugitives, while former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun is the only one in custody. Chief prosecutor Tajul Islam has argued for the death penalty for former PM Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan for their alleged crimes against humanity.