Contempt Of Court CaseSheikh Hasina sentenced to 6 months in jail

In a contempt of court case, the International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to six months of imprisonment.

The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mojumder, delivered the verdict on Wednesday.

The other two members of the tribunal are Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Md. Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

In the same case, another accused, Shakil Akand Bulbul alias Md. Shakil Alam from Gobindaganj in Gaibandha, has been sentenced to two months of simple imprisonment by the tribunal.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam confirmed this information to journalists.

A three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, passed the order after reviewing a leaked phone conversation involving Hasina that circulated on social media last year before being picked up by several mainstream media outlets.

In the audio clip, Hasina is allegedly heard telling former Gobindaganj upazila chairman Shakil Akanda Bulbul, "I have had 227 cases filed against me, so I have received a licence to kill 227 people."

The tribunal considered the statement contemptuous and a direct attempt to undermine the court.

Bulbul was sentenced to two months in prison for his role in the conversation.

According to tribunal sources, the sentence will take effect only once the convicts surrender before the court or are arrested by law-enforcers.

Once enforced, the sentence will be classified as non-rigorous imprisonment.

On April 30, ICT Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam brought the matter before the tribunal, describing the conversation as an attempt to intimidate victims and witnesses in the ongoing trials related to crimes against humanity during the July mass uprising last year.

He said that such remarks, if unaddressed, could hinder legal proceedings.