A Bangladeshi court has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to six months in prison for contempt of court, marking a significant legal blow to the exiled political leader. The sentence was delivered in absentia by the country’s International Crimes Tribunal, which ruled that Hasina’s remarks in a leaked phone call had undermined the dignity and authority of the judiciary.
The court found that Hasina had made derogatory comments about the judiciary and claimed she held a “license to kill” in reference to over 200 pending legal cases against her. The leaked audio, widely circulated on social media earlier this year, was authenticated by forensic experts.
The tribunal declared that such statements by a former head of government constituted “blatant contempt” and set a dangerous precedent for disrespecting the legal system.
Sentence Issued in Absence
Hasina, who fled the country in August 2024 amid mass protests and mounting legal cases, is currently residing in India. Her sentence will only come into effect if she returns to Bangladesh or is extradited. Authorities have also issued an arrest warrant for her in connection with several other cases, including serious charges of crimes against humanity related to the state’s crackdown on protestors last year.
The tribunal also sentenced Shakil Akand Bulbul, a former student leader of the ruling Awami League’s youth wing, to two months in jail on similar contempt charges. He too was tried in absentia.
Broader Political Context
Sheikh Hasina, who served as Bangladesh’s prime minister for over 15 years across multiple terms, was ousted from power in 2024 following widespread student-led protests against her government. The protests turned deadly when security forces reportedly opened fire on demonstrators, leading to hundreds of casualties. The interim government that took over has since launched a series of investigations and trials against key figures of the former administration.
Hasina has denied all charges, calling them politically motivated. Her party, the Awami League, has condemned the verdict and demanded an independent inquiry into the allegations.
Ongoing Trials
The contempt conviction is the first formal ruling against Hasina since her ouster. However, she also faces trial in absentia on charges of ordering violent crackdowns and violating international human rights laws during her tenure. The government maintains these trials are aimed at ensuring accountability and upholding the rule of law.
Human rights organizations and international observers have expressed concern over the implications of the case, urging transparency and due process in all legal proceedings.
As the political and legal drama unfolds, Hasina’s future remains uncertain. While she remains a polarizing figure in Bangladeshi politics, her sentencing marks a dramatic shift in the country’s efforts to hold former leaders accountable for alleged abuses of power.
