Sheikh Hasina Refuses July Uprising Apology, Slams Election Ban

Ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has refused to apologize for the deaths of at least 1,400 people during the July Uprising in 2024, describing the civil unrest as manipulated by rivals.

In defiant interviews with Reuters, AFP, and The Independent from her exile in New Delhi, the 78-year-old rejected charges of crimes against humanity as "politically motivated." Hasina faces a trial where prosecutors seek the death penalty, accusing her of personally ordering lethal force against protesters.

She denied the charge, calling the reported audio "taken out of context," but conceded "some mistakes were certainly made within the chain of command."

Hasina dismissed the International Crimes Tribunal proceedings, set to announce a verdict date on November 13, as "kangaroo courts," stating she was denied adequate defense time. She confirmed she has not surrendered or engaged legal defense, adding she would not be "surprised nor intimidated" by a death sentence.

The former leader heavily criticized the Yunus-led interim government for banning the Awami League's activities, calling it an "unjust" and "dangerous precedent."

She argued that holding an election without the participation of the Awami League would "disenfranchise millions" and lack credibility, even while acknowledging her own regime summarily banned Jamaat-e-Islami before her ouster.

Hasina stated her party is exploring legal and diplomatic avenues to contest its exclusion.