Bangladesh Court Sentences Former PM Sheikh Hasina to Jail for Contempt

Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to six months in jail for contempt of court.

According to the Dhaka Tribune, the verdict was issued on Wednesday by a three-member bench headed by Judge MD Golam Mortuza Mozumder. Another individual, Shakil Akand Bulbul from Gaibandha’s Gobindaganj, received a two-month jail term in the same case.

Sheikh Hasina, also a former leader of the ruling Awami League, had resigned and left the country 11 months ago.

In June 2025, ICT formally charged her with crimes against humanity, alleging that she played a key role in ordering mass killings during nationwide protests in July 2024. The prosecution claims she was one of the main figures behind the violent suppression of anti-government uprisings in July and August 2024.

Hasina stepped down as prime minister on August 5, 2024, and left her residence in Dhaka to flee toward India. Her departure came amid a period of intense unrest, where thousands defied curfew orders and took to the streets in protest.

This case marks a significant chapter in Bangladesh’s political and judicial history, with legal actions continuing against high-profile political figures.