Historic Conviction Or Political Vendetta? Sheikh Hasina Sentenced To Death – Will India Hand Her Over To Dhaka? | India News
Sheikh Hasina Decision: The death penalty for Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by the country’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has sparked intense debate over whether the verdict was an act of justice or a politically motivated move.
The decision comes at a time when Hasina is reportedly in India, raising questions about New Delhi’s next steps and its obligations under the India-Bangladesh extradition treaty. In today’s DNA episode, Zee News Editor-in-Chief Rahul Sinha analyzed Bangladesh ICT’s decision:
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Decision
The ICT in Dhaka handed down the death sentence in a case linked to the 2024 student movement, which started as a protest against the job quota system but quickly turned into nationwide demonstrations against the Hasina government. The unrest led to the deaths of students, protesters and security personnel, for whom the court held Hasina responsible.
Accusations Against Hasina
The court listed five accusations against the former prime minister of Bangladesh:
– Ordering the murder
– Making provocative speeches that encourage violence
– Obstructing justice and trying to destroy evidence
– Ordering the murder of student Abu Sayeed
– Being involved in the killing of five people and burning their bodies in Çanharpul
Hasina was sentenced to death penalty for the first two charges and life imprisonment for the third.
Right to Object – But Not from Abroad
Hasina was given 30 days to appeal, but the court ruled that she could not appeal in absentia. This means he will have to return to Bangladesh, which he has stated he will not do.
In her statement, Hasina claimed that her defense was not heard and that the court was operating under an unelected government, and called the decision “wrong, biased and politically motivated.” He said he was ready to present his case at the International Criminal Court.
India’s Dilemma
Bangladesh’s interim government has formally asked India to extradite Hasina, arguing that New Delhi is obliged under the 2013 extradition treaty. However, the agreement includes certain conditions.
The agreement, signed in January 2013 and amended in 2016, outlines the grounds on which extradition may be denied. Article 6 of the agreement clearly states that extradition may be refused if the crime in question is of a political nature.
India is not obliged to hand him over under the terms of the agreement as Hasina claims the case against her is politically motivated.
Court Questions
ICT itself has become the focus of discussions. The court was established by Hasina’s own government in 2010 to try war crimes committed during the 1971 War of Independence. However, in 2024, the interim government led by Younis amended the ICT Act to cover recent events, including the student movement, paving the way for Hasina’s trial.
The appointment of judges and prosecutors by the interim government raises concerns about the credibility of the court. Critics on social media labeled it a “kangaroo court”. Some users claim that the decision was made deliberately on November 17, which coincided with Hasina’s wedding anniversary, after an earlier schedule was changed for November 14.
Growing Unrest
The decision triggered protests from Hasina’s supporters across Bangladesh, with rallies and violent clashes. Political tensions have escalated to the point that observers fear the country may be heading for another period of instability akin to a coup-like situation.
Caught between diplomatic ties, legal provisions and regional stability as the situation unfolds, India’s response remains one of the most closely watched elements of this rapidly evolving story.
