Kathmandu – The International Criminal Tribunal has sentenced former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to six months in prison for contempt of court.
This marks the first time Hasina has received a criminal sentence since stepping down from power in July last year following mass anti-government protests in Bangladesh. Alongside Hasina, another defendant, Shakil Akand Bulbul, has been sentenced to two months in jail for his involvement in the case.
Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam announced the verdict during a press conference, stating that the sentence will take effect from the day Hasina surrenders or is arrested by the police.
The case originated after Tajul Islam filed a contempt complaint against Hasina, following the circulation of a viral audio clip on social media. In the clip, Hasina was reportedly heard claiming that she had received a “license to kill 227 people.”
Islam clarified that the controversial conversation was not related to artificial intelligence, countering some earlier speculations.
“After analyzing the CID’s forensic report and reviewing all arguments, the court concluded that through this inflammatory statement, Sheikh Hasina incited violence against witnesses, investigators, and individuals involved in the ongoing judicial process,” Islam said.
He added, “This act falls under the offenses defined in the International Criminal Tribunal Act, aimed at obstructing or influencing judicial proceedings.”
The ruling marks a significant legal setback for the former prime minister amid ongoing political tensions in Bangladesh.
