In her first interview since leaving Bangladesh in August 2024, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told BBC that the trial against her is politically motivated and designed to deliver a “pre‑determined verdict.”
Hasina, currently in India, faces charges in a special tribunal accusing her of ordering security forces to fire on anti‑government demonstrators. If convicted, she could face the death penalty. She insists the proceedings are controlled by political rivals and amount to what she described as a “kangaroo court.”
Security has been tightened in Dhaka ahead of Monday’s expected ruling. According to UN investigators, more than 1,400 people were killed during last year’s protests, which were met with a violent crackdown by her government.
“I acknowledge that the situation spiraled out of control and many lives were lost unnecessarily. But I never ordered the use of live ammunition against unarmed civilians,” Hasina said in her email interview with BBC.
Despite her denial, prosecutors presented evidence including a phone recording aired by BBC in July 2024, in which she appeared to authorize the use of weapons. The audio has also been played in court.
The case has drawn international attention, with critics warning that the verdict could deepen Bangladesh’s political crisis. Supporters of Hasina argue that the charges are part of a broader attempt to sideline her from national politics.