Rights Group Calls Hasina’s Conviction a Political Farce, Miscarriage of Justice for Victims

New Delhi, Nov 18: The Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) has condemned the conviction of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal, calling it a “political farce” and a “miscarriage of justice” for victims.

The tribunal sentenced Hasina and Khan to death in absentia, while Al-Mamun received five years’ imprisonment. RRAG Director Suhas Chakma said the trial did not meet basic international standards for a fair trial. “The trial of Sheikh Hasina in absentia violates fundamental human rights norms. Bangladesh did not pursue her extradition from India, which is a standard legal procedure for fair trial,” Chakma said.

Chakma also questioned the charges against Hasina, which included the murder of Abu Sayed near Begum Rokeya University, six unarmed protesters in Dhaka’s Chankharpul, and six students in Ashulia. “How could Prime Minister Hasina be charged when the actual perpetrators are not even named in the chargesheet? Al-Mamun cannot be considered an approver as he was not present at the crime scenes,” he added.

The tribunal cited reports from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Human Rights Watch, and BBC as part of its evidence. Chakma criticized this, stating, “Reports from OHCHR, HRW, or BBC cannot serve as evidence unless representatives testify with corroborative proof, especially in a case awarding the death penalty. Cross-examination did not take place, making this trial a miscarriage of justice for victims, as the real perpetrators remain unpunished.”

RRAG’s statement underscores concerns over the legitimacy of the proceedings and questions the adherence to international legal standards in politically sensitive cases.