Dhaka, Nov. 17 -- Ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina has "refused to apologise" over the deaths during the crackdown on the July Uprising, and in turn, criticised the proceedings at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).

In an interview with The Independent, Hasina said she would "neither be surprised nor intimidated" if she were sentenced to death, describing the ICT proceedings as "a sham trial driven by political vengeance".

The prosecution has sought the death penalty for Hasina on five charges: instigating, provoking and directing the killing of 1,400 people during July-August 2024, alleging "superior command responsibility" and involvement in a "joint criminal enterprise".

The British daily reported that when asked if she woul...