Bangladesh's former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has denied committing crimes against humanity during a deadly crackdown on last year's uprising that ousted her, just days before the special tribunal trying her is set to deliver a verdict.
Hasina is accused of being the main architect behind hundreds of killings during mass protests against her autocratic rule—allegations she denies.
In her first interview with the BBC since her departure from Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, she described the trial in absentia as a 'farce' led by a politically motivated 'kangaroo court.'
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty if she is found guilty. Hasina argues this trial was destined for a 'pre-ordained guilty verdict', a statement substantiated by increased security around the tribunal in Dhaka ahead of the ruling.
The critical moment for Bangladesh will resonate deeply with relatives of those killed during the protests. According to UN human rights investigators, the death toll could reach as high as 1,400 during the government’s violent crackdown.
Hasina, who remains outside the country, denied claims she directed security forces to open fire on protesters, stating she had no intention of escalating violence. 'I’m not denying that the situation got out of control,' she explained, 'but I never issued any order to fire on unarmed civilians.'
Despite leaked audio suggesting she approved the use of lethal force, she maintains her innocence, emphasizing that if evidence exists of abuse by officials under her administration, it should be reviewed impartially.
She, along with former officials, was formally indicted in July. Reflecting on the judicial proceedings, Hasina lamented her inability to defend herself or appoint legal counsel, alleging political opponents aimed to dismantle her Awami League party.
This ongoing saga unfolds amid additional serious allegations against her government regarding human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings, cases that are set to be heard in future tribunal sessions.
