Dhaka: A comprehensive verdict has been released that sentences ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to six months of imprisonment. The verdict accuses her of inciting the torching of rivals’ houses and threatening tribunal and law enforcement officials.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the International Crime Tribunal-1 has sentenced Sheikh Hasina to six months in prison for contempt of court, while Chattra League leader Shakil Alam Bulbul received a two-month sentence. The tribunal, led by Justice M Golam Murtaza Majumder, issued the order on July 2, and prosecutor Gazi M H Tamim provided the full verdict to journalists today.
The sentence will take effect from the date of the accused’s arrest or surrender. The judgment includes an audio recording of a conversation between Sheikh Hasina and Shakil Alam Bulbul, where Sheikh Hasina instructed the creation of a list of officials for future action.
The verdict states that Sheikh Hasina encouraged Bulbul to set fire to the houses of rivals. Prosecutor
Tanvir Hasan Zoha investigated the conversation, which was first leaked by journalist Suman Mia from Gaibandha. Bulbul reportedly shared the audio with local journalists and party leaders.
The investigation revealed that a secret Awami League meeting was held via WhatsApp and Zoom through an online group named ‘ateam’. Sheikh Hasina allegedly gave a provocative speech in such a meeting on October 25 last year.
Chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam presented the case in court, with Advocate Amir Hossen representing Sheikh Hasina and Shakil Alam Bulbul. Supreme Court senior lawyer A Y Masiuzzaman provided his opinion as Amicus Curiae.
To date, three cases have been filed against Sheikh Hasina at the International Crime Tribunal for crimes against humanity during the student-people uprising in July-August.