Bangladesh's Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death in Absentia: Where Will She Find Safety Now?
Image Source: Internet
In a shocking turn of events, a Dhaka court has sentenced former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death in absentia on charges of crimes against humanity linked to last year's student-led protests. The verdict, announced on Monday, has sent shockwaves across the region. Hasina, who has been living in self-exile in India since her government's collapse, has maintained her innocence and accused the Bangladeshi government of fabricating the charges. In a statement, she said the verdict was "biased and politically motivated" and that she was willing to stand trial only before a fair and impartial tribunal. The protests that led to Hasina's ouster and forced exile resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,400 people, and she is being probed for the actions of her government during the unrest. The Bangladeshi government has formally requested her extradition, but India has not acted upon it. Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed, has revealed that his mother is living in a secret safe house in Delhi, where she is receiving full security from the Indian government. She has expressed gratitude to the Indian people for offering her a safe haven and has said that she feels relatively safe in Delhi, although she remains cautious about her security. The verdict has further strained ties between India and Bangladesh, with the interim government in Dhaka lodging a protest over Hasina's recent interviews with Indian media outlets. The tensions between the two countries have escalated in recent weeks, with the Bangladeshi foreign ministry summoning India's deputy chief of mission in Dhaka. As Hasina's future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: she will not return to Bangladesh under a government she views as illegitimate. With her options dwindling, the question on everyone's mind is: where will she find safety now?
