Pakistan, July 2 -- Bangladesh's court sentenced former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to six months' imprisonment in absentia for contempt of court. The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) issued the verdict on July 2, marking the first conviction since her fall from power amid a brutal student uprising in August 2024. Hasina fled to India and ignored court orders to return.

The contempt ruling stems from a leaked phone recording, in which she allegedly claimed a "license to kill" due to having over 227 legal cases pending. A forensic examination confirmed the recording's authenticity. Prosecutors alleged her remarks intimidated witnesses and created a climate of fear.

Alongside Hasina, fugitive Shakil Akanda Bulbul, former leader of her...