Sheikh Hasina Slams ‘Rigged Tribunal’; Calls Verdict Biased & Politically Driven

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday denounced the verdict delivered against her.

She alleged that a ‘rigged tribunal’ formed by the unelected interim government led by Muhammad Yunus issued a biased and politically motivated ruling.

She said the tribunal lacked legitimacy and credibility because it operated without a democratic mandate.

Her remarks followed the International Crimes Tribunal’s decision to sentence her to death.

The tribunal accused her of committing crimes against humanity linked to the July 2025 demonstrations.

Hasina accused the interim government of using the verdict to eliminate her from politics and dismantle the Awami League.

She argued that extremist figures within the administration pushed for the harsh sentence to suppress Bangladesh’s last elected leadership.

In a sharply worded statement, Hasina said the interim government intended to mislead the public and divert global attention from its failures.

She claimed that the ICT served as a tool to scapegoat the Awami League rather than uncover the truth about the unrest in July and August 2025.

Sheikh Hasina added that millions of citizens suffering under the ‘chaotic and regressive’ Yunus-led administration would see through the political ploy.

Hasina condemned the deterioration of governance under the interim regime.

She said public services had collapsed, law enforcement had withdrawn from crime-hit streets, and judicial fairness had eroded.

Sheikh Hasina accused the administration of allowing attacks on Awami League supporters, religious minorities and women to go unpunished.

She also alleged that Islamic extremists, including individuals linked to Hizb-ut-Tahrir, now influenced state decisions and undermined Bangladesh’s secular tradition.

She criticised Yunus for jailing journalists, stalling economic growth, delaying elections and banning the Awami League from participating in the polls.

Sheikh Hasina firmly rejected the charges against her, stressing that she never ordered violence against protestors.

She expressed sorrow for all deaths during the unrest but insisted that the allegations lacked a factual basis.

Hasina said she was ready to face accusations before a legitimate and impartial tribunal.

Sheikh Hasina challenged the interim government to take the case to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

She asserted that the ICC would acquit her and expose the administration’s human-rights violations.

Sheikh Hasina argued that Yunus feared such scrutiny, which is why the government avoided international oversight.

Also Read: ICT Pronounces Death Penalty For Former PM Sheikh Hasina In Crimes Against Humanity Case