Sheikh Hasina’s Son Sajeeb Wazed Calls the Death Verdict ‘Revenge, Not Justice

Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's death sentence by the International Crimes Tribunal is facing flak from her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who calls it a political vendetta, not justice. 

Giving an interview to a news portal, Wazed stated that the decision of the tribunal on convicting Hasina for inciting violence during the 2024 student protests is baseless and a mockery of justice. 

According to him, the trial is fundamentally flawed, as he asserts that the outcome was predetermined, and the proceedings were hurried, taking only 100 to 140 days. 

He also stated that the government, which is neither elected nor democratic, changed the laws even though only Parliament has the power to do that.

Sheikh Haseena Was Not Allowed to Choose Her Defence Counsel

Sheikh Hasina's son alleged that her mother was not allowed to choose her defence lawyer, which shows a complete mockery of justice. 

He also added that, since there is no law and order situation in Bangladesh now, no legal appeal is possible, unless the law and order are restored.

Only then can the ruling be changed.

Death Sentence Is Not About Justice, But Revenge

Calling Sheikh Haseena's death sentence a revenge instead of justice, Wazid termed the interim government as unelected and illegal for shielding his own people from facing consequences. 

They even passed a law that allows the execution of law authorities and party workers. He also accused the interim government of overlooking the deaths of several policemen during the unrest, detaining many Awami League activists, and prosecuting only the Hasina's side. 

Criticising the biased move, Wazid said the verdict looked at justice from only one side while ignoring the other, so it cannot be considered true justice.

The Verdict and Hasina’s Reaction

The 78-year-old Hasina, who was convicted in absentia by Bangladesh's special International Crimes Tribunal, was found guilty on multiple charges. 

These included igniting violence and encouraging the use of deadly armaments, helicopters, and drones. 

Responding to her death verdict, Hasina, from her exile in New Delhi, called it an injustice and an unfair political tactic. 

Calling the tribunal manipulative, she stated that an unelected government took this decision without any democratic mandate. The biased ruling was targeted only at her. 

Courts Are “Rubber-Stamping” Under the “Illegal Regime: Wazed

Sajeeb Wazed, on the death verdict of Sheikh Haseena, pointed out that under the current ''illegal regime, no law can persist. 

He claimed that courts are simply doing so per the government's wishes. 

However, as per his belief, with the return of democratic government, the death verdict on her mother will also change, as there are many legal errors. 

Wazed also warned that the situation will get worse before the elections in February. Slamming the interim government for banning the Awami League, Wazed mocked the upcoming polls as 'Sham' and threatened about protests that will get stronger, unless the international community steps in.

FAQs

Q. Who is Sheikh Hasina?

A. Sheikh Hasina is a former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the leader of Awami League. She is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who laid the foundation of Bangladesh.

Q. Why was Sheikh Hasina given a death sentence?

A. Sheikh Hasina was given a death sentence for her role in the violent crackdown on the student-led group in July-August 2024.

Q. Who gave the verdict against Sheikh Hasina?

A. The International Crimes Tribunal gave the verdict against Sheikh Hasina.  She is found guilty of crimes against humanity for inciting violence, weapons use, and failing to stop the killings. 

Q. What is the response of Sheikh Hasina to the verdict?

A. Sheikh Hasina called her death verdict an injustice and an unfair political tactic. 

Q. What was her son's response to Sheikh Hasina's death sentence?

A. Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of Sheikh Hasina, called her death sentence a political vendetta, not justice. 

Q. Will the Awami League participate in the February 2026 elections?

A. No, the interim government of Bangladesh has banned the Awami League Party from contesting the February polls in 2026.

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