The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Wednesday sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to six months in jail in a contempt of court case filed last year.
This marks the first time since the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5 last year that a Bangladeshi court has sentenced her.
The three-member tribunal, headed by ICT Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar, passed the order.
In the same case, then Chhatra League leader of Gaibandha district, Shakil Akanda Bulbul, was sentenced to two months in jail.
Although there is no precedent for appointing legal counsel for absconding accused in such cases, a state-appointed lawyer was engaged for Sheikh Hasina at government expense to ensure justice.
ICT schedules July 1 for hearing to frame charges against Hasina, 2 others
According to the case statement, Sheikh Hasina had a telephone conversation with Chhatra League leader Shakil on October 25 last year.
In the audio clip, Sheikh Hasina was heard saying, “Got license of killing 227 people,” which the court deemed a direct threat to the judicial system.
Later, the prosecution filed a case with the ICT.