Staff Reporter:
BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed yesterday said the death sentence handed down to Sheikh Hasina in crimes against humanity case would serve as a precedent for Bangla-desh’s future political landscape.
“This verdict is not enough compared to the crime. But it establishes justice and sets an example for the days ahead. It sends a message that no one can again establish a fascist regime in this coun-try, no one can turn themselves into a fascist, and autocracy will not take root here. This is a les-son for the future,” he said.
Salahuddin made the remarks to the media in an immediate reaction following the verdict at Dha-ka University campus.
Earlier in the day, the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July Uprising.
The verdict was delivered by a three-member panel of the International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Ghulam Murtaza Majumdar.
Salahuddin accused the former premier of creating state machinery marked by enforced disappear-ances, killings, misrule and discrimination.
“Her dream of establishing a fascist, one-party state did not materialize,” he said. “But the people, including ourselves, were crushed for years under the weight of oppression and authoritarian rule.”
He said the country’s development had been pushed back significantly as a result. “We do not want to look back anymore. Justice and the rule of law will be established in every sphere, and through this, a strong democratic Bangladesh will be built.”
Salahuddin added that BNP was committed to reforms aimed at ensuring justice for all. “We will establish a balanced state system and government system, Insha’Allah. We will continue our re-lentless struggle to build a Bangladesh where every citizen receives justice.”
