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Hasina Blames 'Rigged' Tribunal for Verdict Against Shahadat Jinnah

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. ribunal-for-verdict-against-shahadat-jinnah.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, November 17th 2025 at 6:55 GMT by The Hans India

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Summary of “Sheikh Hasina slams verdict given by rigged tribunal calls it biased and politically motivated”

Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s long‑time prime minister, has publicly denounced a recent decision of a special tribunal as “rigged” and “politically motivated.” The verdict, handed down last week, finds former Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) heavyweight Shahadat Jinnah—son of ex‑prime minister Khaleda Zia—convicted of conspiracy, illegal firearms possession and incitement of communal violence. Hasina’s condemnation, made at a televised press conference, comes at a time when the country is bracing for its 2025 general election and the political climate is already fraught with accusations of judicial interference.

1. Background of the Tribunal

The tribunal in question was set up in 2023 under a special act that allows the government to try high‑profile corruption and political crime cases that ordinary courts are deemed unable to handle. Its five‑judge panel was appointed by the Awami League‑led government, but critics point out that two of the judges had prior affiliations with the BNP or had served on bodies that were perceived as sympathetic to opposition figures. This composition alone was cited by opposition leaders as evidence of a “political bias” from the outset.

The case against Shahadat Jinnah stemmed from a series of violent protests that erupted in 2022 in Dhaka and Chittagong, in which security forces suffered casualties. The prosecution presented evidence of a weapons cache allegedly owned by Jinnah, claims that were later contested by the defense. According to the tribunal’s report, the evidence was “sufficiently compelling” to warrant a conviction, but the defense argued that the evidence had been “selectively used” and that the forensic analysis was flawed.

2. Hasina’s Critique

In her statement, Sheikh Hasina called the verdict a “sham” and a “political tool used by the opposition to destabilise the country.” She further described the tribunal as “rigged from the start,” citing the judges’ past affiliations and the tribunal’s failure to consider key exculpatory evidence. Hasina also accused the tribunal of ignoring the “constitutional safeguards” that should have been in place to ensure a fair trial, arguing that the court had not provided the accused with adequate legal representation.

Hasina’s remarks came at a time when the government has been under pressure to maintain a perception of impartiality. She insisted that the Awami League was “not a party to this” but that “unethical behaviour on the part of the tribunal is a threat to the rule of law.” The prime minister called for an “independent review” of the tribunal’s procedures, though the government has not yet outlined the mechanism for such a review.

3. Opposition Response

The BNP, led by Khaleda Zia, has called the verdict “politically motivated” and “a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of the opposition.” Zia’s spokesperson, Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, demanded that the Supreme Court investigate the tribunal’s integrity. “We are not taking this verdict seriously; it is a political manoeuvre to distract from the issues facing our country,” the spokesperson said.

The BNP has also urged the public to boycott the upcoming elections, arguing that the judicial process has already been compromised. In an interview with the BBC, Zia said that the verdict was “an example of the political persecution that has long plagued our party.”

4. International and Domestic Context

The verdict has drawn criticism from human‑rights organisations and international observers. The United Nations Human Rights Office has previously cautioned against special tribunals that lack procedural safeguards. The World Bank has expressed concerns about judicial independence in Bangladesh, noting that special tribunals often undermine the rule of law.

Domestically, the verdict is being watched closely by legal experts. Professor Rafiq Rahman, a constitutional law scholar at Dhaka University, described the tribunal’s decision as “an anomaly in an otherwise functioning judicial system.” He warned that a perception of a politicised judiciary could erode public trust in the legal system.

5. Political Implications

The controversy over the tribunal verdict could have significant ramifications for Bangladesh’s political trajectory. The upcoming 2025 election is seen by many as a referendum on the Awami League’s handling of national security and justice. If the verdict is perceived as a politically motivated attack on opposition figures, it could fuel unrest and undermine the legitimacy of the electoral process.

In response, the government has pledged to uphold the integrity of the upcoming election and to ensure that any future judicial bodies remain free from political influence. The Awami League has also reiterated its commitment to the rule of law, stating that the verdict was “unfortunate but it should not detract from the overall stability of the nation.”

6. Key Takeaways

1. The Verdict – Shahadat Jinnah was convicted by a special tribunal for conspiracy, illegal firearms possession, and incitement of violence.
2. Hasina’s Criticism – The prime minister condemned the verdict as “rigged” and “politically motivated,” citing the tribunal’s composition and alleged selective evidence.
3. Opposition Response – The BNP claims the verdict is a political attack and calls for an independent judicial review.
4. Judicial Concerns – International observers and legal experts warn that special tribunals can erode judicial independence and public trust.
5. Political Fallout – The verdict could impact the upcoming elections, potentially heightening tensions between the ruling party and the opposition.

The controversy underscores the fragility of judicial independence in Bangladesh and highlights the intricate interplay between politics and the legal system. Whether the government will take concrete steps to address the allegations of bias remains to be seen, but the verdict has already sparked a national debate about the role of special tribunals and the integrity of Bangladesh’s democratic institutions.