The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is set to deliver its verdict on Monday in the July massacre case against Bangladesh’s fugitive former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. According to officials, the verdict will be broadcast live. Speaking to Reuters from the United States on Sunday, Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy said his mother might be sentenced to death, though the family is not particularly worried at the moment. Joy currently resides in the U.S. for professional reasons.
Hasina left Bangladesh after resigning as prime minister on August 5 last year. She has since been living in India. Joy said his mother is “safe in India” and that the Indian government has arranged her security.
“We all know what the verdict will be,” Joy said. “They will convict my mother, probably sentence her to death. But what can they do to her? She is safe in India.”
Election and Awami League Ban — Joy Calls for International Intervention
After Hasina stepped down, an interim government was formed under the leadership of Dr. Muhammad Yunus. National elections are scheduled for February under this administration. During this period, Bangladesh banned all political activities of the Awami League, holding the party responsible for widespread killings during last year’s unrest.
Joy strongly opposed the ban, saying:
“We will not allow any election in Bangladesh without the Awami League. Our movement is getting stronger every day. We will do whatever it takes to bring the party back into the electoral process.”
He warned that violence could escalate before the February election unless the international community intervenes. Joy also said they would actively obstruct the election if the Awami League is not reinstated.
The spokesperson for Dr. Yunus’s government, however, said there is no plan to lift the ban. They blamed Awami League supporters for the recent spike in violence across the country.
What Happens if Hasina Is Sentenced?
According to government lawyers, Sheikh Hasina cannot appeal the verdict while remaining a fugitive. The law requires an appeal to be filed within 30 days of the judgment, but only after the convicted person surrenders to the court. Any statement or appeal submitted from abroad will not be accepted.
Joy told Reuters that they are not considering any appeal at this point, as his mother remains safe in India.
He added that they would consider appealing only after a democratic election takes place in Bangladesh with Awami League’s participation and a new government is formed.
Charges and Trial Progress
Between July and early August 2024, massive protests erupted across Bangladesh against the Hasina administration. The former prime minister is accused of ordering police to fire on students and young people during the nationwide movement. She faces five specific charges, and prosecutors have sought the maximum punishment.
Hasina has repeatedly denied giving any direct order to kill protesters, but the tribunal has not accepted her claim.
Alongside Hasina, the former home minister and a senior police officer have also been charged. The former home minister is currently in India as well. The police officer, however, has turned state witness and provided testimony against them.