Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to six months in prison by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in a high-profile contempt of court case, marking a dramatic turn in her political and legal fate. The verdict, announced on July 2, 2025, was delivered by a three-member ICT bench, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, according to reports published by The Dhaka Tribune.

The ruling represents the first formal conviction against the former premier since her ouster from office and subsequent exile in India in August 2024, following one of the most intense political upheavals in modern Bangladeshi history.

Background of the ICT charges

The conviction comes in the wake of serious allegations of crimes against humanity that were formally lodged by the ICT in June 2025. The tribunal accused Hasina of playing a central role in orchestrating a violent crackdown on mass demonstrations across Bangladesh during July and August 2024.

According to Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, Hasina is believed to have been the “chief instigator” behind the systematic suppression of protestors, many of whom were participating in civil disobedience campaigns against her government’s policies and prolonged stay in power.

The July 2024 protests escalated into deadly riots, prompting Hasina’s administration to impose curfews, deploy paramilitary units, and crack down on dissent with aggressive force. A United Nations Human Rights Office report later revealed that between July 15 and August 15, 2024, over 1,400 civilians were killed in violent retaliatory operations conducted by the state security forces.

Co-defendant sentenced in same case

Alongside Hasina, Shakil Akand Bulbul, a political activist from Gobindaganj in Gaibandha district, was also sentenced. He received a two-month prison term, also in connection with the contempt charges brought before the tribunal. His conviction reinforces the ICT's intent to hold all key figures accountable in what it has labelled a deliberate and large-scale assault on democratic norms and human rights.

Hasina’s downfall and escape to India

The unrest culminated on August 5, 2024, when Sheikh Hasina resigned as Prime Minister amid growing political instability, public rage, and international scrutiny. She vacated her official residence in Dhaka and reportedly fled Bangladesh via helicopter, initially landing at a Border Security Force (BSF) helipad in Agartala, Tripura, before being flown to New Delhi.

Sources within Indian intelligence and diplomatic circles have since confirmed that Hasina has been residing in a secure safe house under high-level protection provided by Indian authorities. Her abrupt departure marked the end of the Awami League's 15-year rule, which had governed the country since 2009.

Hasina’s defense and denial of charges

Despite the mounting legal challenges, Sheikh Hasina continues to deny all charges. Through her defense counsel Amir Hossain, she has called the ICT's actions politically motivated and insisted that she played no role in the violence that unfolded in 2024.

“She is innocent and will challenge the verdict through legal avenues available under international law,” said Hossain in a brief statement issued from New Delhi. He also reiterated her intent to clear her name in the face of what she considers judicial overreach, hinting at a broader geopolitical conspiracy behind her prosecution.

Political repercussions in Bangladesh

The conviction has stirred further tensions in Bangladesh’s fragile political climate, which has been grappling with the power vacuum created by Hasina’s departure. The Awami League, now fragmented, has been largely absent from the political mainstream, with many senior leaders either detained, in hiding, or under investigation.

Meanwhile, an interim unity government, backed by a coalition of smaller parties and technocrats, continues to administer the country amid preparations for fresh national elections in early 2026.

However, street-level activism remains strong, with pro-Hasina loyalists occasionally clashing with police and calling her conviction illegitimate. Counter-protests by civil rights groups and families of victims demand justice and seek accelerated trials for other officials allegedly involved in the 2024 violence.

Human rights and international response

International reaction to the tribunal's verdict has been mixed. While human rights groups such as Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International have welcomed the sentencing as a step toward justice, they have also urged caution regarding due process and judicial transparency.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights acknowledged the court's findings but urged the Bangladeshi transitional justice system to remain independent, impartial, and free from political influence.

India, where Hasina currently resides, has maintained a neutral stance on the legal developments. However, insiders from the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that New Delhi is closely monitoring the evolving situation and may review her asylum status depending on subsequent legal proceedings.

What next for Sheikh Hasina?

With her first conviction now on record, Sheikh Hasina faces an uncertain future. Although the six-month sentence pertains only to a contempt of court charge, the crimes against humanity case filed in June could lead to far more severe penalties—including life imprisonment or even capital punishment under Bangladesh’s legal framework.

Legal experts argue that if Hasina refuses to return to Bangladesh, she could face international arrest warrants or Interpol red notices, potentially limiting her mobility and access to diplomatic forums.

Her legal team, meanwhile, is expected to file an appeal with the International Appellate Tribunal, seeking a reversal or reduction of the six-month sentence and challenging the admissibility of evidence in the broader crimes against humanity case.

Broader implications for South Asia

Hasina’s sentencing is seen as a cautionary precedent in South Asian politics, where long-serving political leaders are often accused of overreach, but seldom face legal consequences.

Observers believe this could embolden civil society across the region while encouraging greater scrutiny of governmental actions during public uprisings. In Bangladesh, however, the ruling might deepen political polarisation, especially if other former Awami League leaders are dragged into the tribunal process.

Conclusion

The conviction of Sheikh Hasina by the International Crimes Tribunal for contempt of court sends shockwaves through Bangladesh’s political and legal landscape. While only six months in duration, the sentence has far-reaching implications for Hasina’s political legacy, the rule of law, and transitional justice in a country emerging from a year of deadly unrest.

As Bangladesh continues to rebuild democratic institutions post-crisis, all eyes now turn to how Hasina’s legal journey unfolds in exile, and what this means for the future of accountability and leadership in South Asia.

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