Hasina Party Leaders Condemn Death Penalty, Seek India’s Help

A day after former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death by an International Crimes Tribunal, senior Awami League leaders living in exile have reacted strongly, accusing the interim government of attempting to dismantle the party and eliminate Hasina from Bangladesh’s political landscape. These leaders, staying in undisclosed locations for safety, said they can return to Bangladesh only if “political inclusion” is restored and if the cases against them are withdrawn. They also expressed hope that India will continue to offer Hasina shelter, “honour,” and “security” during this crisis.

According to these leaders, more than a hundred Awami League leaders and former MPs are currently living abroad, while a similar number, along with thousands of party workers, are imprisoned in Bangladesh. They claim that the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus has systematically targeted them through blanket bans, politically motivated criminal cases, freezing of bank accounts, harassment of family members, and unconstitutional judicial processes such as the one that sentenced Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for “crimes against humanity.”

Nahim Razzaq, a four-time Member of Parliament, argued that the verdict is part of a larger plan to “finish off” the Awami League. However, rather than demoralising them, he said the sentence has “suddenly motivated” party leaders and workers. Razzaq emphasised that if the ban on the party is lifted and bail is granted in the pending cases, Awami League leaders would be ready to return and reorganise politically.

Several leaders also asserted that the interim government under Professor Yunus is weak and unlikely to survive. Former Textiles and Jute Minister Jahangir Kabir Nanok said no election conducted under Yunus would be credible. He stated that the Awami League would not participate in any polls with Yunus at the helm. Nanok further stressed that India, as “a friend and neighbour,” must ensure Bangladesh does not descend into extremist instability. He urged India to help counter what he described as an illegal and one-sided judicial verdict issued without giving Hasina any chance to defend herself.

Another senior leader, Pankaj Nath, a three-time MP who contested the 2024 elections as an Independent, said the death sentence has shocked Awami League members. He believes the intention behind the verdict is to politically wipe out the Awami League. According to Nath, the people of Bangladesh will refuse to participate in any election in which Hasina is not allowed to contest. He called for general amnesty for all jailed Awami League workers and leaders so that democratic politics can resume. Nath warned that an uprising in Bangladesh is imminent and insisted that India will not allow such “atrocities” to unfold in the region.

Bahauddin Nasim, Joint Secretary of the Awami League Executive Committee, revealed that Hasina remains in regular contact with party leaders through secure internet apps. Shortly after the death sentence was announced, she reportedly told them that the verdict was unconstitutional and that the Yunus-led government must be overthrown. Nasim stated that Awami League leaders will follow Hasina’s instructions, whether it involves contesting elections or mobilising politically—provided the ban on the party is lifted and top leaders are released. He underscored that a “level playing field” is essential for any future political process.

In essence, Awami League leaders in exile view the verdict against Hasina as a calculated political attack. They express confidence that the interim government will fall soon and look to India for diplomatic and moral support as they prepare for what they believe will be a major political upheaval in Bangladesh.