Death penalty for Hasina? Explosive charges shake Bangladesh's power corridors

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has now leveled serious allegations against former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The ICT prosecution says that Sheikh Hasina committed crimes against humanity while brutally suppressing the nationwide public uprising in July 2023. It is alleged that she not only ordered police action, but also incited violence and mass killings. If these allegations are proved, then Sheikh Hasina can also be sentenced to death.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina is living in India and the new interim government of Bangladesh is trying to bring her back. The Indian government has not yet given any formal response to this. But this incident has also had a deep impact on India-Bangladesh relations.

Serious allegations against Sheikh Hasina

In the chargesheet presented on Sunday, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Police Chief Chowdhary Mamun have also been made co-accused along with Sheikh Hasina. The three are accused of misusing the police force and deliberately firing on civilians to suppress the mass movement in July and August 2023.

The investigation report was presented on May 12

Earlier on May 12, the investigators had presented a detailed report to the tribunal, claiming that Hasina herself ordered the violent action. According to the report, hundreds of people, including a large number of protesters and students, were killed in the firing by the police during that time.

'Pakistani War Crimes Tribunal' now against Sheikh Hasina

It is worth noting that the ICT was originally set up to prosecute war criminals after the 1971 war with Pakistan. This tribunal has previously sentenced several Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP leaders to death. Now a case has been registered against Sheikh Hasina under this tribunal.

Bangladesh's interim government is demanding extradition

Sheikh Hasina is in India after the mass uprising and military coup. The new Yunus government of Bangladesh is constantly demanding her return from India so that she can be prosecuted. But the Indian government has not yet given any official response to this.

Impact on India-Bangladesh relations

India-Bangladesh relations were robust under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina. But after the arrival of the new Yunus government, this equation seems to be changing. The Yunus government seems to be inclined towards China and Pakistan, while India is now reconsidering its strategy with this new government.

Let us tell you that this is not just a legal crisis for Sheikh Hasina, it is a question of her political future. If the allegations are proved, then a big change will be seen in the politics of Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina, who was once considered the most powerful leader of the country, is today standing in the dock of justice in her own country. Her presence in India and this allegation made by ICT can affect not only her political future but also India-Bangladesh relations.