International Crimes Tribunal has scheduled June 19 for the next hearing and possible verdict in a contempt of court case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, after she failed to appear despite a public summons.
The case stems from her alleged remarks, including a controversial statement: “I’ve had 227 cases filed against me, so I’ve basically been licensed to kill 227 people.” Following the circulation of this audio, which was later verified through forensic analysis by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), a contempt petition was filed by Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam on April 30.
On Tuesday, June 3, the three-member tribunal—headed by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, with members Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired District and Sessions Judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury—issued the latest order after Hasina and Bangladesh Chhatra League leader Shakil Alam Bulbul failed to appear.
The court had previously ordered both individuals to provide an explanation by May 15. When no response was received, a public notice was issued on May 25, directing them to appear in person within seven days. The Tribunal Registrar was instructed to publish the notice in one widely circulated English and one Bengali-language newspaper.
However, as of the June 3 hearing, neither Hasina nor Bulbul appeared before the court, nor did they send legal representatives or provide any explanation.
Speaking to the media, Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam said the tribunal is now legally empowered to proceed with sentencing. Under the relevant laws, a person found guilty of contempt may face up to one year in jail and a fine of BDT 5,000.