Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is facing charges of crimes against humanity, has expressed hope that a ban on her political party will be lifted ahead of general elections scheduled for next year. She made these remarks from exile in India, where she fled after being ousted in mass protests last year.
Hasina is currently on trial in absentia for her alleged role in authorizing a deadly crackdown on student-led protests that led to her removal from power in 2024. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty if she is found guilty, with a verdict expected imminently from the special tribunal in Dhaka. The charges stem from events during the uprising against her government, which UN human rights investigators estimate resulted in up to 1,400 fatalities. Security has been tightened in the capital ahead of the decision, reflecting the high stakes involved.
In her responses to the BBC, Hasina categorically denied issuing any orders for security forces to fire on unarmed civilians. She acknowledged that the situation spiraled out of control and many lives were lost needlessly, but maintained that she never authorized lethal force against protesters. Her defense claims that the trial is politically motivated and designed to sideline her Awami League party ahead of the elections. This denial comes amid mounting evidence presented by prosecutors.
Key evidence in the case includes leaked audio recordings, verified by the BBC, in which Hasina allegedly authorized the use of “lethal weapons” during the protests in July 2024. This audio was presented in court and has been a central piece of the prosecution’s argument, suggesting her direct involvement in the crackdown. Hasina has dismissed the recordings as part of a smear campaign orchestrated by her opponents to tarnish her reputation.
Hasina has labeled the proceedings a “farce” and a “kangaroo court” controlled by her political rivals. She stated that she has been unable to defend herself properly or appoint her own legal representation, raising serious concerns about due process and fair trial standards. Her lawyers have filed an appeal with the United Nations highlighting these issues, arguing that the tribunal lacks impartiality.
The ban on the Awami League was imposed by the interim government, and its lifting is essential for the party to contest the February 2026 elections. Hasina emphasized that the party has tens of millions of supporters who should not be disenfranchised, and that the Awami League remains a fundamental part of Bangladesh’s political discourse. She warned that excluding the party could undermine the legitimacy of the electoral process.
Beyond the current trial, Hasina faces additional charges of crimes against humanity related to other alleged abuses during her 15-year rule, including extra-judicial killings and disappearances. She denies all allegations and has called for any evidence of official misconduct to be examined through an impartial, depoliticized process. The outcome of these legal battles will significantly impact Bangladesh’s political stability and democratic institutions.
As the country awaits the verdict, the case represents a critical juncture for Bangladesh, which is striving to move forward after the turmoil of Hasina’s ouster. The resolution will not only determine Hasina’s future but also shape the inclusivity and fairness of the upcoming electoral process, with implications for regional stability and human rights accountability.
