Bangladesh is facing one of its most turbulent moments in recent history as former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to six months in prison by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka. The conviction, which comes nearly a year after her ouster and exile to India, has sent shockwaves through South Asia and sparked intense debate both within Bangladesh and among its neighbors, especially India. The verdict marks Hasina’s first criminal conviction since her removal from office and has deepened the political crisis in a country still reeling from last year’s deadly uprising.
1. Sheikh Hasina’s Six-Month Sentence: The Contempt Case That Changed Everything
The ICT’s decision stems from a contempt of court case centered on a leaked phone call between Sheikh Hasina and Shakil Akand Bulbul, a political figure associated with the Awami League’s student wing. In the audio, Hasina allegedly stated, “227 cases have been filed against me, so I have obtained a license to kill 227 people.” The prosecution argued that this statement constituted a direct threat to the judicial process and an attempt to intimidate those involved in ongoing war crimes trials. Forensic analysis by the Criminal Investigation Department confirmed the authenticity of the recording, which captured Hasina’s frustration over the numerous charges of murder and other crimes filed against her by Bangladesh’s interim administration.
The three-member ICT bench, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, delivered the verdict on July 2, 2025. Hasina’s sentence will take effect from the day of her arrest or surrender. Shakil Akand Bulbul was also sentenced to two months in prison under the same contempt ruling. The tribunal noted that neither Hasina nor her legal counsel appeared before the court or responded to summons, prompting the court to proceed in absentia.
2. Political Upheaval: Hasina’s Exile, the Awami League’s Outrage, and the Rise of Yunus
Sheikh Hasina’s conviction is the latest chapter in a saga that began with her forced ouster in August 2024. After weeks of violent protests led by the Students Against Discrimination (SAD), which started as a movement for quota reforms but quickly escalated into a nationwide uprising, Hasina fled to India. The unrest saw an estimated 1,400 deaths in just three weeks, according to UN reports, as security forces clashed with demonstrators demanding an end to her 15-year rule.
In the wake of her departure, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was appointed to head Bangladesh’s interim government. The new administration wasted no time in pursuing legal action against Hasina and her top aides, vowing to hold them accountable for the crackdown during the protests. The Awami League, now banned by the interim government, has denounced the tribunal’s verdict as “unlawful and unconstitutional,” calling it a “farcical case” and a “disgraceful act unprecedented in the history of Bangladesh’s judiciary.” The party claims Hasina was denied a fair trial, with no opportunity for self-defense or legal representation.
3. The Tribunal, the Leaked Audio, and the War Crimes Trials
The International Crimes Tribunal, established by Hasina’s own government in 2009 to investigate atrocities during Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence, has now turned its focus on her. The contempt case is just one of several legal proceedings against Hasina, with a separate trial on charges of crimes against humanity already underway in absentia. The tribunal had repeatedly summoned Hasina and her former home minister to appear in court, but both failed to comply or explain their absence.
The leaked audio that triggered the contempt case has become a flashpoint in Bangladeshi politics. Critics of the tribunal argue that the sentence is politically motivated and part of a broader campaign by the interim government to eliminate the Awami League’s influence. Supporters of the verdict insist that no one, not even a former prime minister, is above the law—especially when the integrity of the judiciary is at stake.
The sentencing of Sheikh Hasina has thrown Bangladesh’s political landscape into further disarray, with both supporters and critics anxiously watching the unfolding events. Many within the Awami League view the verdict as a continuation of what they call a “witch hunt” against the party’s leadership, arguing that the interim government is using the judiciary to settle political scores. Senior party members, many of whom are either in hiding or have fled the country, have vowed to continue their struggle from abroad, organizing rallies and digital campaigns to keep the party’s message alive among the Bangladeshi diaspora.
On the other hand, opposition groups and some segments of civil society see the verdict as a long-awaited reckoning for years of what they allege was Hasina’s authoritarian rule. They point to incidents of media censorship, enforced disappearances, and the suppression of dissent during her tenure as justification for the current legal actions. These groups have called on the interim government to ensure that the rule of law prevails and that future elections are free from manipulation or intimidation.
The atmosphere in Dhaka and other major cities remains tense, with security forces maintaining a heavy presence in anticipation of unrest. Sporadic protests have erupted, some turning violent as demonstrators clashed with police. The government has imposed restrictions on public gatherings in sensitive areas, and internet blackouts have been reported in neighborhoods known for political activism. Despite these measures, underground networks continue to organize and disseminate information, keeping the spirit of resistance alive.
Internationally, the reaction to Hasina’s sentencing has been mixed. Some governments and human rights organizations have expressed concern about the fairness of the trial and the broader crackdown on political opposition. Others, particularly those with strategic interests in the region, have adopted a wait-and-see approach, wary of jeopardizing diplomatic ties with the new administration. India, in particular, faces a diplomatic dilemma, balancing its historical ties with Hasina and the Awami League against the need to maintain stability and constructive relations with Bangladesh’s interim leadership.
The business community in Bangladesh is also feeling the impact of the ongoing political turmoil. Investors are increasingly cautious, with many delaying new projects or withdrawing capital in light of the uncertainty. The country’s stock market has seen heightened volatility, and economic growth projections are being revised downward. Small business owners, especially those in urban centers, report declining sales and disruptions to supply chains as a result of protests and government-imposed curfews.
4. Regional and International Fallout: India’s Dilemma and Global Reactions
Hasina’s sentencing has immediate implications for regional stability and India-Bangladesh relations. India, which has provided sanctuary to Hasina since her exile, now finds itself in a delicate position. New Delhi has so far refrained from official comment, but analysts say the situation could complicate diplomatic ties and cross-border cooperation, especially given the large Bangladeshi diaspora in India.
International human rights organizations have expressed concern over the conduct of the tribunal and the broader crackdown on political dissent in Bangladesh. The UN and several Western governments have called for due process and the protection of fundamental rights, while others have urged restraint and dialogue to prevent further violence. The case has also reignited debate about the role of international tribunals in domestic politics and the potential for abuse of judicial processes during periods of regime change.
5. Bangladesh on Edge: Public Reaction, Protests, and a Nation Divided
News of Hasina’s sentence has polarized Bangladeshi society. Supporters of the Awami League have staged protests, denouncing the verdict as an attack on democracy and a personal vendetta by the interim government. Meanwhile, critics of Hasina argue that her conviction is long overdue, citing years of alleged corruption, human rights abuses, and authoritarian rule.
The streets of Dhaka and other major cities remain tense, with security forces on high alert to prevent further unrest. Social media is awash with heated debates, conspiracy theories, and calls for both justice and reconciliation. Many ordinary Bangladeshis express exhaustion with the cycle of political violence and uncertainty, yearning for stability and a return to normalcy.
6. The Road Ahead: What Next for Hasina, the Awami League, and Bangladesh?
With Hasina’s conviction now official, the future of Bangladesh’s political landscape remains uncertain. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has pledged to hold new elections but has yet to announce a timeline. The Awami League faces an existential crisis, banned from political activity and with many of its leaders facing prosecution or in exile.
For Hasina herself, the sentence represents a dramatic fall from grace for one of South Asia’s most prominent leaders. Whether she will return to Bangladesh to face imprisonment, remain in exile, or seek international intervention remains to be seen. What is clear is that Bangladesh stands at a crossroads, with the potential for further upheaval or, perhaps, a new chapter of reconciliation and reform.
For ordinary Bangladeshis, the crisis has brought a mix of fear, fatigue, and frustration. Many are weary of the seemingly endless cycle of political conflict and violence that has plagued the country for decades. Conversations in tea stalls and marketplaces reflect a desire for peace and stability, with some expressing hope that the current upheaval might eventually lead to meaningful reforms and a more inclusive political system.
Within the Awami League, the leadership vacuum left by Hasina’s exile and sentencing has led to internal debates about the party’s future direction. Some younger leaders are calling for a shift toward more transparent and democratic practices, hoping to rebuild public trust. Others argue that the party must remain steadfast in its opposition to the interim government, viewing any compromise as a betrayal of Hasina’s legacy.
The interim government, meanwhile, is under pressure to demonstrate its commitment to democratic norms and human rights. International observers are closely monitoring the situation, particularly as the government prepares for promised elections. There are calls for the release of political prisoners, the lifting of bans on opposition parties, and the establishment of an independent electoral commission to oversee the voting process.
As the legal and political drama continues, attention is also turning to the fate of other senior Awami League figures facing charges before the International Crimes Tribunal. The outcomes of these cases could further shape the political landscape, influencing whether the party can regroup and return to power or remain sidelined for years to come.
Ultimately, the sentencing of Sheikh Hasina marks a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s history. Whether it leads to a new era of accountability and reform, or simply deepens existing divisions, will depend on the actions of the country’s leaders, the resilience of its institutions, and the will of its people to move beyond the politics of retribution.
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