Awami League slams jail sentence against Sheikh Hasina

Dhaka

Bangladesh’s Awami League has strongly condemned a six-month prison sentence given to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, calling it "unlawful and unconstitutional."

The International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Hasina on Wednesday for contempt of court, based on a leaked audio clip where she allegedly threatened and interfered with the tribunal’s work. Shakil Akanda Bulbul, a student leader from the Awami League’s youth wing, received a two-month jail sentence in the same case.

In a firm statement, the Awami League described the verdict as a "false and farcical case" and accused the tribunal of ignoring legal standards. The party said Hasina, daughter of Bangladesh’s founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was denied a chance to defend herself and had no legal representation during the process.

The tribunal ordered Hasina, who is currently abroad, to appear by May 25, but the party claims she was not given a fair hearing.

"The so-called tribunal violated all laws and turned justice into a mockery," the Awami League said. The party labeled the ruling "judicial terrorism" and blamed an "illegitimate extremist regime" led by Yunus for pushing the country toward chaos.

The party called on Bangladeshi citizens to stand up against the injustice and urged the international community to take notice.

The Awami League stressed that no one should be found guilty without solid proof and accused the government of using legal tools for political revenge.

"We will fight back with the people and defeat this militant group," the statement concluded.