Dhaka, July 3 -- The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) on Wednesday sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to six months' imprisonment in a contempt of court case, marking a significant legal development nearly a year after her ouster from power.

The tribunal also handed a two-month jail term to Shakil Akand Bulbul, a former leader of the pro-Awami League student organisation, Bangladesh Chhatra League, in the same case.

The verdict was delivered in a packed courtroom in Dhaka by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, who headed the three-member panel. The tribunal ruled that the sentences would come into effect from the date of arrest or voluntary surrender of the accused.

Sheikh Hasina has not returned to Bangladesh since le...