Sheikh Hasina will be sentenced to death

It was fairly obvious from the start which way the situation was going. Anupam noted that the court system appeared to be quite biased, particularly in Sheikh Hasina instances. What choices does she really have at this point? Is she able to contest the ruling in any foreign court, and if so, how?

The main question if this case ever makes it to an international court will be whether Sheikh Hasina can be represented, as international courts typically handle conflicts between nations rather than private persons.

If given the chance, she might contend that the entire procedure against her was done maliciously. She may say that all charges were framed only after she left Bangladesh, that she was never given an opportunity to defend herself, and that the prosecution proceeded with bias, eventually leading to a death sentence.

She was found guilty on various counts, which carry terms ranging from life in prison to the death penalty. If all of the punishments were combined together, the total sentence would be more than several hundred years. Since her departure from Bangladesh in August 2004, numerous further cases have been filed against her in different courts, in addition to the charges previously described.

She was put on trial by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity. She was accused by the prosecution of inciting violence, using heavy weapons during disturbances, giving orders to armed forces such as the Bangladesh Army, RAB, and BGB, and failing to stop those who attacked unarmed civilians. She was also charged with contempt after it was alleged that she had regularly disobeyed tribunal orders and made provocative remarks.

Bangladesh has issued a death warrant for her and designated her a fugitive under domestic law. Additionally, her properties could be seized. The Awami League has not entirely disappeared, although it is still weakening. Elections are scheduled for February, and Muhammad Yunus's interim administration lacks a stable mandate.

On allegations of grave crimes against humanity, the tribunal has today formally sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death. The ruling holds her accountable for the deaths of students and accuses her of directing a violent crackdown on student protests while she was prime minister. She was not present for the trial and verdict, nor was she permitted to participate virtually.

Even the defense attorneys were chosen without consulting her, and the defense's argument was mostly symbolic and failed to refute the prosecution's biased story. Practically speaking, as long as she stays in India, her decision might not have a major impact on her personal circumstances.

The actual effects will be felt in Bangladesh's relations with India and its internal political climate. Bangladesh has taken a more critical posture toward India since August 204, and tension has increased due to its growing proximity to Pakistan. The diplomatic climate has also been hampered by statements made by Bangladeshi politicians.

The tribunal also questioned the historical significance of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Awami League, implying that the creation of the Mukti Bahini undermined the national army. This statement undermines the basic basis of Bangladesh's narrative of independence. The geopolitical ramifications are substantial because Bangladesh and India have the longest border of any country at 4,096 kilometers.

Given that Bangladesh may formally request Hasina's extradition under the bilateral treaty, the outcome would now largely depend on India's response. India must also evaluate whether the trial was fair, particularly in light of the fact that she was denied the chance to defend herself. In a recent interview, Hasina herself claimed that the accusations are false and that the entire process is intended to ruin her name.

The true test will be how the public and political response develops over the next few days as protests continue throughout Bangladesh and there is still a significant military presence.