Why is the Awami League Denouncing the 'Unconstitutional' Prison Sentence Against Hasina?

Dhaka, July 3 (NationPress) The Awami League has voiced its strongest condemnation and anger against the "unlawful and unconstitutional" six-month prison sentence given to former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a "false and farcical case". In a formal announcement, the Awami League strongly criticized and rejected the "illegal and unconstitutional sentence" against Hasina, who is the daughter of the Father of the Nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh sentenced Hasina to six months in prison, citing charges of contempt of court.

Additionally, Shakil Akanda Bulbul, a leader of the Awami League's student wing, the Chhatra League, received a two-month jail sentence related to the same case.

The contempt of court charges were initiated after a viral audio clip surfaced on social media, allegedly featuring Hasina and suggesting her interference with the judicial process.

The Awami League's statement condemned the tribunal, labeling it as a product of an illegitimate and unconstitutional interim regime that disregarded legal norms to deliver a biased verdict in less than a month. This act, they argue, is unprecedented in the history of Bangladesh's judiciary.

The statement described the actions of the group led by the criminal Yunus as an assault on the rule of law, equating the judicial process to a theatrical charade that constitutes judicial terrorism, even surpassing the infamous Kangaroo Court model.

A contempt of court complaint was filed on April 30, based on remarks purportedly made during a phone conversation involving Sheikh Hasina.

The Awami League emphasized that the tribunal allowed no opportunity for Hasina to defend herself, nor did it entertain arguments from her legal counsel. Instead, the tribunal demanded her appearance by May 25, and subsequently issued the six-month prison sentence without a hearing.

The party highlighted that under Bangladesh's penal law, no one can be deemed guilty unless proven beyond a reasonable doubt, a fundamental principle that was ignored in this case.

Moreover, the Awami League argued that Hasina did not violate any provisions of the tribunal's law. They characterized the sentence as a continuation of the mob violence engulfing the nation, orchestrated by Yunus and his militant faction, as the country witnesses a wave of judicial terrorism and absurd legal proceedings.

The Awami League asserted that the interim government under Yunus is leading the nation toward destruction, and public outrage is steadily increasing.

They called upon all conscientious citizens to stand against this injustice and the erosion of the rule of law. The party believes that the people of Bangladesh are gearing up to resist this destructive reign and will work with them to defeat this militant regime.