United Nations, New York: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called on the international community to be informed about the current situation in Bangladesh, alleging that the rule of law has been undermined and that legal proceedings are being used for political purposes.

She made the remarks on July 28 while addressing a protest rally organized by the Bangabandhu Awami Lawyers Council in front of the United Nations headquarters in New York through a telephone connection.

Sheikh Hasina alleged that cases have been filed against her, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and their children, describing the legal proceedings as politically motivated. “Cases have been filed against me, my sister Sheikh Rehana, and our children. A drama is being staged in the name of justice to fulfill political revenge. We do not even know what allegations have been brought against us,” she said.

She also claimed that her niece, British MP Tulip Siddiq, had written to the government seeking details of the allegations but received no response.

Sheikh Hasina alleged that the rule of law in Bangladesh has been turned into a “mockery” and claimed that the International Crimes Tribunal is being used as a political tool. She urged the United Nations and international human rights organizations to be properly informed about the developments in Bangladesh.

During the rally, U.S. Awami League Legal Affairs Secretary Advocate Shah Md. Bakhtiar spoke with Sheikh Hasina over the phone and said that expatriates around the world had become encouraged and organized following her announcement about returning to Bangladesh in December.

He stressed the need for international diplomatic efforts to ensure that legal procedures in Bangladesh are properly followed and that Sheikh Hasina receives appropriate treatment under the law.

In response, Sheikh Hasina alleged that similar legal actions had not been taken against several individuals convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal in the past. She accused the current government of using legal institutions against political opponents.

The organizers said they would submit a memorandum to the UN Secretary-General after the rally. The memorandum reportedly highlighted concerns regarding the human rights situation in Bangladesh, political cases, arrests, and alleged persecution of Awami League leaders, activists, and supporters. The organizers called for UN intervention to address what they described as a deteriorating situation.

Speaking with Awami League leader Dr. Pradip Kar during the event, Sheikh Hasina emphasized the need to further strengthen efforts to present information about Bangladesh’s situation to the international community.

She alleged that actions were being taken against individuals involved in the trial process for crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War. She also claimed that those involved in the judicial process following the Holey Artisan attack were facing attempts to target them.

The rally was chaired by Advocate Morsheda Jaman, president of the Bangabandhu Awami Lawyers Council. Among those present were Engineer Mohammad Ali Siddiqui, Office Secretary of the U.S. Awami League; Shahin Azmal, General Secretary of the New York State Awami League; Advocate Rakibul Montu; Lutfor Rahman Himel; M.A. Karim Jahangir; and lawyer Zakir Hossain Mia.

Other attendees included freedom fighter Mohammad Faruk Hossain, Awami League leaders Hakikul Islam Khokon, Md. Aktar Hossain, Manzur Hossain, and several other party supporters.