Bangladesh’s political crisis deepened this week after the Awami League launched a fierce attack on the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, accusing it of orchestrating a “staged drama” that led to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina being sentenced to death. The party has also alleged the regime has ties with Pakistan-based terror outfits, escalating tensions in an already volatile political landscape.
Awami League Calls Sheikh Hasina Trial a ‘Kangaroo Court’
Senior Awami League leader and former minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury has openly challenged the legitimacy of the International Crimes Tribunal verdict that handed a death sentence to Sheikh Hasina and her former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan. Calling the verdict “pre-written” and politically motivated, he said the trial lacked even the most basic legal standards.
Chowdhury alleged that the tribunal operated under an illegally amended mandate, claiming the interim regime “had no legal authority” to alter tribunal laws.
“It was a staged drama. They knew the verdict couldn’t be implemented, so they had to produce something. The tribunal’s chairman wasn’t even present for the last month. This regime has created a kangaroo court,” he said.
The Awami League leader further asserted that Hasina was denied the right to legal representation. According to him, lawyers willing to represent Hasina were barred from appearing, as the interim government had labelled Hasina and her party leaders as fugitives.
“A trial took place where no representation was made on our behalf,” he added, accusing the interim government of violating every accepted judicial norm.
Awami League Warns of Potential Civil War
Accusing the interim government of suppressing dissent and stifling political opposition, Chowdhury warned that Bangladesh was being pushed “dangerously close to civil war.”
He insisted the Awami League still enjoyed overwhelming public support, despite being banned from contesting elections by the Yunus-led administration.
“Awami League has faced bans before — since 1975 — and we have risen from the ashes. We will do it again,” Chowdhury said.
Challenging the government to allow free elections, he added: “If they truly believe people support them, let them face us in the polls. Let the people decide.”
Chowdhury also urged citizens to reject what he called the “sham electoral process” planned for February, asserting that the interim administration was losing public legitimacy.
Allegations of Links With Pakistan-Based Terror Outfits
In one of the most explosive allegations yet, the Awami League leader accused the interim government of cultivating ties with Pakistan-based terror groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad.
“Why this sudden cosying up to Pakistan? Why invite Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad’s leaders into Bangladesh? Why bring Maulana Fazlur Rahman, ISI operatives, and Pakistani military officials into the country?” he questioned.
Chowdhury argued that Bangladesh and Pakistan share limited ties, claiming the interim government was encouraging “regional instability” to tighten its grip on power.
“They want chaos. They know they don’t command the people’s support, and instability is their way of controlling the narrative. But we will not let that happen,” he said.
Sheikh Hasina Death Sentence and India’s Stand
The Dhaka-based International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan to death for authorising the use of lethal force during the massive student uprising last year. The crackdown, which killed hundreds, eventually triggered the fall of Hasina’s 15-year-long rule.
Both Hasina and Khan fled to India in 2023. India has not extradited them, making their execution unlikely.
Hasina, 78, issued a strong rebuttal after the verdict, calling the charges “biased” and “politically engineered.”
“We acted in good faith. We were trying to minimise the loss of life. To describe it as a premeditated attack on citizens is a misreading of the facts,” she said in a statement.
The Awami League has already announced a nationwide shutdown to protest the verdict, demanding international scrutiny of the trial process.
Legal Options Narrow for sheikh hasina
Under Bangladeshi law, Hasina cannot appeal her death sentence unless she surrenders or is arrested within 30 days of the judgment. Given the political climate and her location in India, experts believe neither is likely in the short term.
Political analysts say the conviction marks one of the most dramatic turning points in Bangladesh’s history and may shape the nation’s political trajectory for years.
Growing Concerns Over Bangladesh’s Political Stability
Regional observers have expressed concerns that the escalating political feud, mass protests, and allegations of terrorism infiltrating domestic politics could destabilise South Asia.
International institutions have yet to comment on the tribunal verdict or the Awami League’s allegations. However, analysts warn that rising tensions could have implications for border security, trade, and regional diplomacy.
For now, all eyes remain on Dhaka as Bangladesh enters one of its most turbulent phases in decades.
Anjali is a news writer at Hindi News 99, covering India news, technology, Entertainment, and world updates. She delivers clear and engaging articles to keep readers informed with the latest trends.