Wed Jul 02 13:24:10 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text:

**Former Bangladesh PM Hasina Sentenced to Prison for Contempt of Court**

**DHAKA, BANGLADESH** – Bangladesh’s self-exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to six months in prison for contempt of court by the country’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). The sentence, handed down in absentia, stems from an audio recording in which Hasina allegedly said she had a “license to kill” 227 people due to the numerous cases against her.

The ICT, established by Hasina’s own government to prosecute war crimes from the 1971 independence war, has since been repurposed by the current interim government to investigate allegations of rights violations and corruption during her tenure.

In addition to the contempt charge, the tribunal has issued arrest warrants for Hasina on charges including crimes against humanity related to a crackdown on student-led protests that led to the collapse of her government.

Shakil Akand Bulbul, a senior figure in the banned Awami League’s student wing, Chhatra League, was also sentenced to two months in the same case.

The interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, hailed the conviction as a demonstration of its commitment to justice and accountability. However, Hasina’s supporters claim the charges are politically motivated and part of a wider effort to silence the opposition. Her Awami League party remains banned, and several former officials are facing trial. The caretaker government maintains that the legal process is vital for restoring public trust and ensuring accountability within the country.

Read More