In a historic verdict, Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of Bangladesh, has been sentenced to six months in jail for contempt of court. The verdict came from International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT) on July 2, as reported by several local outlets including The Daily Star.
This is the first conviction against Hasina since she left office and fled the country nearly a year ago. The court found her guilty of making obstructive and disrespectful remarks that tried to influence the legal system.
What triggered the sentence?
The controversy started after a leaked phone call between Sheikh Hasina and a local official, Shakil Akanda Bulbul, went viral on social media. In the audio clip, Hasina allegedly said:
“I had 227 cases against me. That gives me a licence to kill 227 people.”
This statement shocked many and was seen by the court as a direct challenge to the rule of law. The ICT judges said her words showed “disrespect” to the judiciary and could “influence public trust in the legal process.”
Who else was punished?
Alongside Hasina, the court also sentenced Shakil Akanda Bulbul — former chairman of Gobindaganj upazila — to two months in jail for his part in the call.
The tribunal, led by Justice Mohammad Golam Mortuza Mozumder, declared that Hasina’s sentence will only begin if she surrenders to the authorities or is arrested.
The sentence is non-rigorous, meaning she won’t face hard labor, but it still marks a huge turning point in Bangladeshi politics.
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What this means for Bangladesh
This verdict could change the course of Bangladesh’s political future. Hasina, the long-time leader of the Awami League, was once seen as a strong figure in South Asian politics. But now, with criminal charges and fleeing the country, her image has taken a massive hit.
Some see this as justice finally catching up, while others believe it’s a political move. But the court’s message is clear—no one is above the law.
Public reaction
The leaked audio caused a storm online. Many in Bangladesh expressed shock at her words. Political experts say this verdict may divide the nation even more.
International observers are watching closely, as this could impact Bangladesh’s global image.
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