Sheikh Hasina handed a six-month prison sentence
The sentence will come into effect only after the convicts either surrender to the court or are taken into custody by law enforcement.
Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Six Months in Contempt of Court Case
In a contempt of court case, the International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to six months' imprisonment.
The verdict was delivered on Wednesday by a three-member tribunal headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumder. The other members were Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.
In the same case, Shakil Akand Bulbul—also known as Md Shakil Alam—from Gobindaganj in Gaibandha has been handed a two-month simple imprisonment sentence.
Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam confirmed the judgment to reporters.
The case stems from a leaked phone conversation involving Hasina that surfaced on social media last year before being broadcast by several mainstream media outlets. In the recording, Hasina is allegedly heard telling former Gobindaganj upazila chairman Bulbul: “I have had 227 cases filed against me, so I have received a licence to kill 227 people.”
The tribunal found the remarks to be in contempt of court and an attempt to undermine judicial authority. Bulbul was also penalized for his role in the conversation.
Tribunal sources said the sentences will take effect only after the convicts either surrender before the court or are apprehended by law enforcement. Once enforced, the sentences will be considered non-rigorous imprisonment.
Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam had brought the matter to the tribunal’s attention on April 30, calling the remarks an effort to intimidate witnesses and victims involved in ongoing trials over crimes against humanity committed during last year's July mass uprising. He warned that such statements, if left unaddressed, could obstruct the course of justice.
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