India keeps a close watch as Bangladesh convicts former PM Sheikh Hasina ally

New Delhi: India is keeping a close watch on the political developments in Bangladesh with Dhaka stifling space for Opposition Awami League and a Bangladeshi tribunal sentencing Hasanul Haque Inu, an associate of ex-prime minister Sheikh Hasina, to 10 years in prison after convicting him of "crimes against humanity" linked to the 2024 street protests.

The verdict was delivered on Tuesday by Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal as Inu appeared before court in person on eight separate charges.

Known for his staunch reservation against Pakistan military and secular ideals, Inu has been at the forefront of anti-radical movements for the past six decades and has been votary of strong ties with India.


Inu first emerged as a student leader during the mass uprising against Pakistan's military rule in 1969. He was a student leader and became involved with Mujib Bahini. He was among the student leaders who formally hoisted the flag of an independent Bangladesh at Paltan Maidan on March 23, 1971. During the Liberation War, he served as a camp commandant and guerrilla warfare instructor for the Mujib Bahini in India, helping train thousands of freedom fighters.