THE HANGING JUDGES IN DHAKA

India has responded to Hasina's death sentence with strategic patience. It ultimately hopes to repair ties with Bangladesh

- BY PINAK RANJAN CHAKRAVARTY

The death sentence passed by Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Sheikh Hasina, the ousted prime minister of Bangladesh, was not unexpected. She was found guilty on several counts, including mass murder. The tribunal also ordered that the state seize Hasina's assets. Her right to appeal is conditional on her voluntary return and arrest within 30 days, failing which she will be declared a fugitive. Will Hasina walk to the gallows? Unlikely. It is inconceivable that India will hand over Hasina to face certain death. The bilateral extradition treaty has explicit clauses exempting extradition for “an offence of a political character” [Article 6]. India's decision will be watched avidly.

The ICT's legislative mandate was to try the war criminals of 1971. Its jurisdiction was altered through an ordinance, making the changes null and void. The legal process was riddled with bias. Hasina was not permitted to choose her defence lawyers and partisan judges were appointed. The verdict is politically motivated. From the very beginning, the trial seemed contrived.