Death sentence looming over Sheikh Hasina? Son says ex-PM safe in India as violence rocks Bangladesh ahead of verdict

Tensions erupted in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh on Sunday as numerous crude bombs exploded there, including arson attacks, ahead of the verdict in the crimes against humanity trial of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today. Her son and adviser claimed that the court would likely sentence her to death, while stating that his mother is safe in India.“We know exactly what the verdict is going to be. They're televising it. They're going to convict her, and they'll probably sentence her to death. What can they do to my mother? My mother is safe in India. India is giving her full security" and was regarded “like a head of the state”, Reuters quoted Sajeeb Wazed, who resides in Washington, as saying.He added, "We will not allow elections without the Awami League to go ahead. Our protests are going to get stronger and stronger, and we will do whatever it takes. Unless the international community does something, eventually there's probably going to be violence in Bangladesh before these elections ... there's going to be confrontations.”Wazed warned of more protests if party ban stays; however, the government spokesperson stated there were no plans to withdraw the ban on the Awami League. Hasina and her party have criticised the special tribunal as a “kangaroo court” and rejected the state-appointed lawyer representing her, as per AP.'Probably going to be violence in Bangladesh before these elections'“The interim government regards any incitement to violence —especially by exiled political figures — as deeply irresponsible and reprehensible. At present, there is no dialogue space for Awami League as it continues to refuse to express any remorse for crimes against humanity committed under its rule and to accept the accountability process, including under the International Crimes Tribunal,” the spokesperson said.On November 12 alone, 32 blasts were reported, and dozens of buses were set on fire. Police have arrested Awami League activists over alleged sabotage. Wazed mentioned that he and Hasina were in contact with party activists in Bangladesh, but not with the interim government or the rival Bangladesh Nationalist Party, which is widely expected to form the next government.“You're seeing in the last few days shutdowns across the country, massive protests throughout the country, and they're only going to get bigger,” he said.Hasina has been living in exile in New Delhi since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024. She and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan are facing charges of crimes against humanity related to the deaths of hundreds during a student-led uprising in July and August 2024, a report by AP noted. According to a UN report from February, up to 1,400 people may have been killed, while the country’s interim government health adviser reported over 800 deaths and around 14,000 injuries. Both are being tried in absentia.Meanwhile, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus stated that his interim government plans to hold the next elections in February, and that Hasina’s party would not have the opportunity to participate.