Sheikh Hasina Death Sentence: What Taslima Nasreen Questions

Taslima Nasreen Criticizes ICT Verdict on Sheikh Hasina

Taslima Nasreen, a Bangladeshi novelist currently in exile, has issued a strong rebuke to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). This was after it pronounced a death sentence against previous Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The ICT ruled Hasina guilty of crimes against humanity related to the major student uprising. It occurred the previous year that resulted in her government’s downfall.

Nasreen claimed that the ruling exhibits biased justice. She questioned why chief advisor Muhammad Yunus, who led the interim government after Hasina’s ouster, has not been held accountable for similar actions. Her statements have now become a key part of continued news coverage about the developing political crisis in Bangladesh.

Nasreen Attacks “Double Standards”

In a post on X, Nasreen accused Yunus’ regime of hypocrisy. She stated that those who ordered the shootings of protesters during the uprising have not been investigated.

Nasreen stated that the actions that had brought condemnation on Hasina were the same actions Yunus and his “jihadi forces” had engaged in, yet only Hasina is being punished. She asked when the “farce in the name of justice” would end in Bangladesh.

The author stated that sabotage is not criminal, even if it provokes a government to use force for suppression. She was curious as to why Hasina’s recent decision to confront violent insurrections last July is seen differently.

Context to Taslima Nasreen’s Exile

Taslima has lived in India since 1994 due to threats against her life from extremist groups. Her controversial book Lajja was banned in Bangladesh but quickly became a worldwide success. Lately, she has publicly attacked Yunus’s authority, going so far as to ask to take back Yunus’s 2006 Nobel Peace Prize and calling for his imprisonment.

Decision of the ICT: A Historic Ruling

The ICT convicted Hasina on three counts: instigating violence; commanding demonstrators to be killed; and failing to prevent violence in the student uprising.

Additionally, other key figures in her previous government were sentenced:

• Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan was sentenced to death.
• Former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah (Al-Mamun) received a five year penalty as a witness for the state.

The ruling, announced just months before Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections next February, is certain to have a large impact on the country’s political future. The Awami League has been denied the ability to contest the vote, raising fears of rising violence.

Hasina and Yunus Response

A defiant Hasina termed the ruling “biased, politically motivated” and said the tribunal had no democratic authority.

Yunus, on the other hand, shouted back at the result, stating “No one, regardless of position or privilege, is above the law.” A month later, on August 8, 2024, Yunus became acting chief adviser immediately after Hasina fled to India in the wake of the student-led uprising that ended Hasina’s 15-year leadership.

A Nation at a Crossroads

The contrasting responses to the decision and Nasreen’s incitement have ratcheted up political tension. With Bangladesh on the precipice of a critical election, subject of justice and accountability and biased political representation continue to be lingering themes in recent news updates from the region.