Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to six months imprisonment by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh. The court, specifically designed to try international crimes, delivered its verdict on a contempt of court case. Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder presided over the three-member tribunal. A Y Moshiuzzaman, a senior lawyer, served as amicus curiae during the court proceedings. The contempt charges were brought by the Chief Prosecutor on April 30th, targeting statements made by Sheikh Hasina and Awami League figure Shakil Alam Bulbul in connection with the July mass uprising.
The charges against Sheikh Hasina include allegations of masterminding crimes against humanity, murders, and the burning of bodies during the 2024 protests. An audio clip attributed to her, which the CID later authenticated, reportedly contained the statement: “There are 227 cases against me, so I have a license to kill 227 people.” The prosecution highlighted that Sheikh Hasina did not respond to the notice. Following the sentencing, the Awami League criticized a separate mock trial conducted by groups aiming to undermine national interests. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took over as head of the interim government after Sheikh Hasina’s departure to India on August 5th.