Bangladesh's ousted PM Sheikh Hasina slams 'rigged' tribunal, death sentence

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Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has strongly condemned the death sentence handed to her by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) as a 'rigged verdict' aimed at silencing her Awami League party. In a statement issued after the verdict, Hasina accused the ICT of being a 'domestic war crimes court established by an unelected government' with no democratic mandate. She claimed the tribunal's intention was to nullify her party's political influence and undermine Bangladesh's democratic rights. The death sentence was handed down for alleged crimes against humanity during student-led protests last year, which led to the ouster of Hasina's Awami League government after 15 years in power. The Indian government has so far refused to extradite Hasina to Bangladesh, despite a request from the interim government led by Dr Mohammad Yunus. Hasina attacked Yunus, saying his administration has failed to maintain public services, and police have retreated from the streets. She also alleged that Islamic extremists have infiltrated the government, targeting Hindus and other minorities, and suppressing women's rights. The former premier claimed that Bangladesh's economic growth has stalled under Yunus's leadership, and that he has delayed elections and banned the Awami League from participating. Yunus has promised to hold elections in February, along with a referendum to amend the Constitution. Hasina's condemnation of the ICT verdict comes as a major blow to the interim government, which has been struggling to maintain stability in the country. The situation remains uncertain, with millions of Bangladeshis awaiting the outcome of the elections and the future of the Awami League party hanging in the balance.