Bangladesh’s ousted Prime Minister behind the bars, International Crimes Tribunal : sentenced for 6 months imprisonment

ABSTRACT:

This article examines the recent sentencing of the Bangladesh’s ex-pm Sheikh Hasina by the international crimes tribunal. The article provide the overview of the chain of events leading to the sentencing ; including the July massacre , the Hasina ouster , the charges and allegations on the Hasina and the processing indicated by the ICT. It also elaborate the UN concern on the matter in order to safeguards the human rights of citizens. Further the UN concern about the lack of due process and fair trail within the ICT system.

INTRODUCTION:

The Bangladesh international tribunal (ITC)1 established in 2010 to investigate and prosecute crimes committed during the Bangladesh’s 1971 war for liberation. Since then it is dealing with the matter of detection, prosecution and punishment of persons for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and other crimes under international law committed within the territory of Bangladesh. Recently, Bangladesh’s Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina2 who has served the nation for 15 years has been prosecuted by the International Crimes Tribunal (ITC) for the Contempt of Court and has been sentenced for six months imprisonment.

FOLLOW –UP THE EVENT:

IN JULY-AUGUST 2024: The Bangladesh Supreme court reinstated the Quota system in government jobs which triggered the resurgence of the Quota Reform movement. This resulted in various student-led protests and violent clashes rose in Bangladesh at different places. The reports of attacks, mass killings of protestors and major demonstrations took place leading to internal disturbance within the country. The government led by PM Sheikh Hasina denied the responsibility of the mass killing of the people of its nation and which unfortunately led to the aggression against the government.

In August 2024, Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina felled to India seeking asylum. This indicate the repression of the mass protectors and her government collapsed. The statistical data of the mass destruction is upload by the UN newzs.

BEHIND THE UPSUREEGENCE OF PROTESTS:

The students came forward when the exiled and ex-pm Hasina denied to consider the demands of the thousands of protestors. She used the term “RAZAKARS” for the protestors which is offensive in itself. The protests turned violent with the involvement of the Chhatra League result of which the government shut down universities and cut off the internet services. A nation-wide crew was imposed on 19th July 2024. A peaceful youth led movement slowly converted into massacre with mass killings and explosives leading to deaths and destructions. This act of repression is popularly known as ‘July Revolution’ or ‘July massacre’

CHARGES AGAINST SHEIKH HASINA:

Murder, Attempt to murder, Incitement to commit offence, Contempt of court.

KEY CONTROVERSIES

1. Extra judicial arrest and disappearances

2. Money laundering and corruption

3. Suppression and opposition of media and freedoms of citizens

4. July revolution

TRIAL BY ICT BANGLADESH :

12thmay,2025 the Investigating agency submitted the report to the tribunal against the deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzman KhanKamal and the former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah AI-Mamun bringing fiveallegations of crimes against humanity committed during the July-August 2024. A leaked phone call where Hasina allegedly claimed she had a “license to kill 227 people” for which she has been charged with contempt of court. She has been sentenced for 6 months imprisonment on 2nd,July2025 and court further said that it would begin when she will surrender to the authorities. A leader of Awami League’s student wing has been made co-accused in the case and sentenced for 2 month sentence.

CONCLUSION:

Sheikh hasina’s is currently in India as refugee with the possibility of seeking asylum in Russia after certain diplomatic negotiations and foreign relations. The political landscape of Bangladesh is still under unrest and a lot of scrutiny. The young population has been diverged from their paths and a new social order has been established. The fall of the government and political dynamics ofBangladesh would also affected overall system and now its upon the leaders to bring back the country on track and reverse the effects of the movements by acknowledging the demands of the students.

REFERNCES

1. UNHRC:- Click here

2. ICT BANGLADESH:- Click here

3. CNN:- Click here

4.LIVEMINT:- Click here

5. AI- JAZEERA:- Click here