Desk Report, July 2: In a landmark verdict, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to six months’ imprisonment for contempt of court. The tribunal also sentenced Shakil Akand Bulbul (Shakil Alam), 40, from Gobindaganj in Gaibandha, to two months in prison in the same case.
This is the first time Sheikh Hasina and Shakil Akand have received a court sentence after being on the run.
The verdict was announced on Wednesday, July 2, by a three-member bench headed by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, the chairman of the tribunal. The panel also included Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Justice Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.
On June 19, the ICT appointed AY Mashiuzzaman as amicus curiae (friend of the court) to assist in the case. The next hearing was scheduled for July 2, which concluded today with the sentencing.
Though such cases do not typically allow for state-provided legal representation, the tribunal appointed a defense lawyer for Sheikh Hasina in the interest of a fair trial.
Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim stated that the contempt charges stemmed from comments made by Sheikh Hasina and banned student leader Shakil Alom Bulbul, allegedly undermining the judiciary following the July uprising-related case.
The case originated from a viral audio clip in which Sheikh Hasina allegedly said, “I’ve had 227 cases against me, so I’ve earned a license to kill 227 people.” The audio was later forensically verified by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The Chief Prosecutor filed a contempt petition on April 30. On that day, the tribunal accepted the charges and ordered the accused to respond by May 15. After failing to do so, they were summoned to appear before the tribunal on May 25.
Despite public notices being issued, Sheikh Hasina neither appeared in person nor submitted a defense through a lawyer. As a result, the tribunal exercised its legal authority to issue punishment.