‘Criminals Have Become Heroes’: Sheikh Hasina Denounces ICT Case Ahead of Verdict
Sheikh Hasina Claims Yunus Framed False Charges as ICT Verdict Nears: A Deep Dive Into Political Tensions and Bangladesh’s Uncertain Future
Sheikh Hasina alleges Yunus framed false charges as ICT verdict approaches, fueling political tensions and national unrest in Bangladesh.
As Bangladesh anxiously waits for the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) verdict, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has launched a forceful attack on the proceedings, calling the charges against her “entirely illegal.” Speaking virtually from India, where she has lived since fleeing on 5 August 2024, Hasina asserted that Yunus framed false charges against her in what she described as a politically motivated campaign to destroy her legacy.
Hasina Accuses Yunus of Orchestrating a False Case
In her address, Sheikh Hasina directly accused Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus and his allies of plotting to “punish” her through fabricated charges. She claimed the case—linking her, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and ex-police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun to murder, attempted murder, torture, and inhumane acts—was rooted in political rivalry rather than factual evidence.
The charges stem from the violent 2024 protests over the contentious government job quota system. Hasina argued that the unrest was hijacked by violent actors who used “military-grade weapons” to topple her government, insisting she was framed to justify her removal from power.
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Call for Nationwide Lockdown and Mass Mobilisation
The former PM urged her supporters to stage a nationwide lockdown, claiming that attempts to intimidate her followers “cannot silence” her struggle for justice. She accused Yunus’s supporters of instigating brutal violence during and after the protests, including arson attacks and killings.
Hasina also contrasted her previous administration with the current interim government, highlighting how the Awami League strengthened laws against atrocities, particularly those involving crimes against women during the 1971 Liberation War. Under the Yunus administration, she argued, “criminals have become heroes of July.”
Political Comeback? Hasina Signals Conditional Return
Although in exile, Sheikh Hasina signalled that she may return to politics—but only when Bangladesh is able to conduct “free, fair, and participatory elections.” She emphasised that the Awami League, one of the country’s largest political forces, must be allowed to contest without restrictions.
Hasina described her departure from Dhaka as a measure to prevent a “bloodbath,” alleging that coordinated attacks on state institutions and civilians were designed to destabilise the nation and delegitimise her government.
Hasina’s Sharp Critique of the Yunus Administration
Claims of Illegitimacy and Instability
Hasina did not hold back in her criticism of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. She labelled it as unelected and lacking constitutional validity. According to her, the interim administration had eroded democratic rights, released individuals linked to extremist groups, and allowed rising attacks on minorities—symptoms she believes reveal a regime without a public mandate.
Accusing Yunus of Rewriting Bangladesh’s History
From India, Hasina criticised Yunus’s efforts to build diplomatic ties with Pakistan, calling it a “desperate attempt for international validation.” She argued that courting Islamabad was an insult to the memory of the 1971 Liberation War, especially since Pakistan has never issued a formal apology for the atrocities committed.
Rising Tensions as Bangladesh Awaits ICT Verdict
As the ICT verdict approaches, authorities in Bangladesh have tightened security throughout Dhaka and other regions following sporadic arson attacks and crude bomb explosions. The tense atmosphere reflects how deeply divided the nation is, with the tribunal’s ruling expected to influence the country’s political trajectory.
For now, Sheikh Hasina continues to defend her legacy and challenge the legitimacy of the interim administration. Whether she returns to lead the Awami League once more—or whether the Yunus government solidifies its position—will depend heavily on the upcoming verdict and Bangladesh’s political will to restore democratic stability.
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