(Image Source: X.com/ANI)
There is currently severe tension and unrest in Bangladesh, as the nation is preparing for a crucial verdict from the International Crimes Tribunal.
The Tribunal is expected to state its verdict on crimes against humanity charges against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who might be sentenced to death if found guilty.
The charges are related to the deadly crackdown on the student-led uprising that eventually resulted in the end of her rule in August 2024.
The 78-year-old former Prime Minister Hasina and her co-accused, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, were tried in absentia, as Hasina is in exile in India.
Her political party, the Awami League, called a nationwide shutdown in anticipation of the verdict to protest what they describe as a politically motivated trial.
The son and advisor of former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina warned on Sunday that her supporters will try to disrupt next February’s national election if the Awami League is banned. He also said that protests could become violent if the interim government does not change its approach.
In an emotional audio message released to her supporters, Hasina urged them to continue street demonstrations, saying, "There is nothing to be afraid of. I am alive. I will live. I will support the people of the country."
Hasina has strongly denied the charges as fabricated, refusing to appoint a lawyer and labeling the tribunal a “kangaroo court.” She says she did not order killings during the July unrest but blamed the violence on forces loyal to the current Chief Adviser, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, whom she refers to as a "usurper.
Interim government adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said the verdict "will be executed," regardless of the outcome. Security forces throughout the country remain on high alert to contain any potential violence.
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Over 20 years served as Prime Minister of Bangladesh. She first took office from 1996 to 2001, then again consecutively from 2009 until her resignation in August of 2024.Â
Her long tenure came to an abrupt end due to the massive July Uprising, also known as the July Revolution. The movement, which started with students calling for quota reform in government jobs, turned into a full-fledged mass uprising after the government tried to quell the protests with deadly force that led to a high number of casualties.
On August 5, 2024, Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country to India amidst overwhelming public demand for her resignation and with her security apparatus collapsing.
The sudden exit brought an end to her 15-year continuous stay in power and saw the installation of an interim government under the leadership of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
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