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- Former Prime Minister found guilty of contempt of court.
- Case focused on remarks made following her removal from office.
- Shakil Bulbul sentenced to two months for the same charges.
On Wednesday, Bangladesh’s court found the former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, guilty of contempt of court and sentenced her to six months in prison, a decision rendered in absentia. This marks the first verdict against her since her ousting last year.
The 77-year-old Hasina fled to India during a student-led uprising in August 2024 and has ignored repeated summons to return to Dhaka.
Chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam stated, “She will begin serving her sentence upon her arrival in Bangladesh or if she chooses to turn herself in.”
The case revolved around comments she allegedly made after being deposed, which prosecutors argue intimidated witnesses involved in ongoing legal proceedings.
According to Islam, “The prosecution believes her remarks instilled fear among those pursuing legal action and the witnesses.”
In related news, Shakil Akanda Bulbul, a leader from her now-disbanded Awami League party who has also fled, was sentenced to two months for his involvement in the case.
The United Nations reported that around 1,400 individuals lost their lives during a government crackdown on protests between July and August last year as Hasina’s administration attempted to maintain control.
Additionally, prosecutors are currently pursuing a separate trial that alleges Hasina held overall responsibility for the violence, which commenced on June 1. Her court-appointed attorney stated that she denies multiple charges that constitute crimes against humanity under Bangladeshi law.
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