Sajeeb Wazed: Sheikh Hasina’s Death Verdict Is “Revenge, Not Justice”

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son of ousted former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has strongly condemned the death sentence handed to his mother by the International Crimes Tribunal, describing it as “a calculated act of revenge, not justice.” He argued that the ruling reflects a collapse of due process and the rule of law under the interim administration.

Speaking in an interview, Wazed said the charges against Sheikh Hasina — related to alleged crimes during the 2024 student-led uprising — were part of a politically driven attempt to erase her legacy and eliminate the Awami League from Bangladesh’s political landscape. According to him, the trial was rushed, biased, and conducted with the predetermined intention of securing the death penalty.

Wazed emphasized that the tribunal concluded its proceedings in an unusually short time, forcing through a conviction “at a pace no fair justice system would allow.” He claimed that amendments to international crimes laws were pushed through by the interim government without any parliamentary oversight. These legal changes, he said, were specifically crafted to ensure a death verdict against Sheikh Hasina.

He also alleged that Sheikh Hasina was denied her fundamental rights. She was not allowed to choose her own legal team, and the court appointed a lawyer for her against her wishes — a move Wazed described as a direct violation of international judicial norms. He said this environment made it impossible for a fair defense or cross-examination of key witnesses.

According to Wazed, the interim government’s claim of impartial justice is contradicted by the fact that it granted itself immunity for alleged killings and abuses during the unrest, while selectively prosecuting only Sheikh Hasina’s side. He accused the authorities of distorting the truth and manipulating tragedies for political gain.

Wazed further stated that the appeal process holds little credibility, as “there is no functioning rule of law in Bangladesh right now.” He maintained that any genuine appeal can only be pursued when a legitimate and independent judicial structure is restored in the country. Despite this, he expressed confidence that the verdict will eventually be overturned, saying the case “cannot survive proper legal scrutiny.”

Addressing security concerns, Wazed confirmed that Sheikh Hasina remains safe in India and that the Bangladeshi ruling’s jurisdiction does not affect her current protection. He described the court system as an extension of the interim government’s political agenda, rather than a neutral institution.

On the upcoming national elections, Wazed said the current political climate cannot produce a credible or peaceful outcome. He warned that excluding the Awami League from the political process will only deepen instability and provoke further unrest. According to him, the party will not recognize any election that is conducted under duress, manipulation, or unfair restrictions.

Wazed concluded by saying the verdict is part of a broader effort to dismantle democratic institutions and intimidate dissenting voices. He accused the interim government of weaponizing the judiciary, suppressing opposition leaders, and using state power to shape the political future of Bangladesh without public consent.