Dhaka:
In a compelling courtroom session, a Bangladeshi tribunal has heard dramatic testimonies recounting the final hours of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka during the turbulent political crisis of 2007. According to recent proceedings, Hasina, then leader of the opposition and head of the Awami League, reportedly resisted intense pressure to flee the country, saying, “Shoot me, bury me here,” as efforts were made to exile her under the guise of national stability.
The tribunal, examining allegations of political conspiracy and abuse of power during the military-backed caretaker government's rule from 2006 to 2008, has begun reviewing detailed testimonies and internal communications. These hearings aim to establish whether attempts were made by influential figures to forcibly remove Hasina from the political landscape ahead of scheduled elections.
Witnesses revealed that military and civil officials, under pressure to stabilize the country amid mounting political unrest, allegedly pushed for a “minus two” formula — an unofficial political strategy to sideline both Hasina and her rival, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, to create a new political order. Hasina was reportedly given an ultimatum to leave the country quietly or face arrest.
The tribunal heard how Hasina, who had returned from abroad during this volatile period, was determined to stay in Bangladesh and face the consequences rather than accept exile. Her reported declaration, “Shoot me and bury me here,” underscored her defiance and refusal to bow to unconstitutional pressure.
The caretaker government at the time had imposed a state of emergency, suspended civil liberties, and initiated a large-scale anti-corruption drive. Political leaders, businesspeople, and bureaucrats were arrested en masse, and fears of military overreach began to circulate widely. Hasina herself was detained for nearly a year before being released in 2008, paving the way for her political resurgence.
The tribunal’s findings so far have stirred renewed debate in Bangladesh over the legality and ethics of the caretaker government's decisions during that period. While some political observers argue that extraordinary measures were necessary to restore order, others contend that the actions taken were excessive and undermined democratic institutions.
Legal experts suggest that the tribunal’s conclusions could have long-term political implications, especially in shaping public narratives around democratic resilience and political accountability in Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina, who returned to power in 2009 following a landslide victory, has since served multiple consecutive terms as Prime Minister. Her leadership during and after the crisis remains a defining aspect of her political legacy.
As the tribunal continues its hearings, further testimonies and documentary evidence are expected to provide more insight into a pivotal moment in Bangladesh's modern history — a moment when democratic survival, personal resolve, and political power collided in extraordinary circumstances.
