Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has expressed concern that the International Crimes Tribunal may sentence his mother to death when it delivers its verdict on Monday.
However, he expressed relief stating that India is keeping his mother (Sheikh Hasina) safe while she remains in exile in New Delhi.
The tribunal is set to announce its ruling on Monday in five cases against Sheikh Hasina, including charges of crimes against humanity linked to the crackdown on the 2024 student movement.
According to a United Nations report, nearly 1,400 people were killed between July 15 and August 5 last year, with thousands more injured. Most of the deaths occurred in police shootings, marking one of the deadliest periods of political violence in Bangladesh since independence.
Sheikh Hasina fled to India in August 2024 following a student-led uprising and has since been living in exile in the Indian capital. Joy said India is providing her full protection.
Speaking ahead of the verdict, Joy said the outcome appears predetermined. “We already know what the verdict will be. They are showing it on television. They will find her guilty and perhaps issue a death sentence,” he said.
However, he added that he remains reassured. “Nothing will happen to my mother. My mother is safe in India. India is giving her complete security,” Joy said.
