Sheikh Hasina Challenges Death Sentence: Former Bangladesh PM Calls ICT Verdict Politically Motivated

Former Bangaladesh PM Sheikh Hasina (File).

New Delhi:

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued a strong rebuttal following her death sentence handed down in absentia by Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal for "crimes against humanity." She stated the verdict exposed "the brazen and murderous intent of extremist figures in an unelected government."

Hasina categorically rejected all allegations and criticized the tribunal for denying both her Awami League Party and herself a "fair chance to defend themselves." She further alleged bias among the tribunal members, highlighting that its judges and lawyers had "publicly expressed sympathy for the current administration."

"For the record, I wholly deny the accusations that have been made against me in the ICT. I mourn all of the deaths that occurred in July and August of last year, on both sides of the political divide. But neither I nor other political leaders ordered the killing of protesters," Sheikh Hasina declared.

"I was given no fair chance to defend myself in court, nor even to have lawyers of my own choice represent me in absentia. Despite its name, there is nothing 'international' about the ICT... Nor is it impartial," she stated shortly after the verdict, condemning what she described as "rigged" proceedings.

Hasina emphasized three key points:

Any senior judges or senior advocates who previously expressed sympathy have been removed or intimidated into silence,

The ICT has exclusively targeted members of the Awami League

It has failed to prosecute or investigate perpetrators from other parties responsible for documented violence against religious minorities and others.

'Bangladeshis won't be fooled'

"Millions of Bangladeshis toiling under the chaotic, violent, and socially-regressive administration of Dr Mohammad Yunus (the Nobel Peace laureate who heads the interim government) will not be fooled..."

"They can see the trials conducted by this so-called ICT were never intended to achieve justice..." she asserted, "Rather, their purpose was to scapegoat the Awami League (by not prosecuting individuals from other political parties or those currently in power) and distract the world from the failings of Dr Yunus."

"All of this is established fact and verified by international media, NGOs, and non-partisan bodies such as the IMF. I wish to add... not a single citizen of Bangladesh has cast a vote for him (Yunus)..."

Hasina stated she remains unafraid to face her accusers "in a proper tribunal where the evidence can be weighed and tested fairly." "That is why," she explained, "I have repeatedly challenged the interim government to bring these charges before the International Criminal Court in The Hague."

The ICT verdict

The three-member ICT - headed by Justice Mohd. Golam Mortuza Majumder - found Hasina and two associates, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former police chief Chowdhury Al-Mamun, guilty on three counts, including ordering the deadly suppression of last year's student-led protests.

According to the court, the three conspired to commit atrocities with the intention of killing protesters. However, the former police chief was pardoned after he "sought an apology from the tribunal and the people of the country."

Both Hasina and Kamal were declared fugitives and tried and sentenced in their absence.

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