Overview of Sheikh Hasina's Ouster and Conviction
Sheikh Hasina Wazed, who served as Bangladesh's prime minister for over two decades, including 15 consecutive years until August 2024, was deposed following student-led protests that escalated into nationwide unrest. She subsequently went into self-imposed exile in India. On November 17, a special tribunal in Dhaka sentenced her to death after convicting her of crimes against humanity.
The tribunal found Hasina responsible for ordering a crackdown on protesters between July 15 and August 5, 2024. Hasina has denied all charges against her, calling the tribunal a "farce" and a "kangaroo court" controlled by political opponents.
UN human rights investigators reported that up to 1,400 people were killed during the weeks of protests leading to her ousting, with most fatalities attributed to gunfire from security forces. The UN report concluded that her government sought to retain power through systematic and deadly violence against protesters.
Political Career and Rule
Hasina, born in 1947, is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh's founding father. She became a student leader at Dhaka University and, after her father's assassination in 1975, lived in exile before returning to lead the Awami League in 1981. She gained prominence leading pro-democracy protests against the military government of General Hussain Muhammed Ershad.
She first became prime minister in 1996, overseeing a water-sharing agreement with India and a peace deal with tribal insurgents. Her government faced criticism over alleged corrupt business deals. After losing power in 2001 to Begum Khaleda Zia, she returned to office in 2009 following elections held under a caretaker government. During her time in opposition, she survived multiple arrests and assassination attempts.
Economic Development and Allegations of Authoritarianism
Under Hasina's leadership since 2009, Bangladesh experienced significant economic growth:
- Per capita income tripled over a decade.
- Over 25 million people were reportedly lifted out of poverty in 20 years.
- The garment industry expanded significantly, becoming a major export driver.
- Large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the $2.9 billion Padma bridge, were undertaken.
Despite economic achievements, her government faced widespread accusations of authoritarian measures against political opponents, critics, and the media.
- Rights groups estimate at least 700 enforced disappearances and hundreds of extra-judicial killings occurred since 2009, claims which Hasina denies.
- In 2021, the United States sanctioned Bangladesh's Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) police unit, citing human rights violations.
- Journalists and human rights activists reported increased attacks, arrests, surveillance, and harassment.
- Her government was also accused of "judicially harassing" targets, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, who later became head of the interim government.
Events Leading to Ouster
In January 2024, Hasina secured a fourth consecutive term in an election that was boycotted by the main opposition and described by critics as a sham. Protests began later that year, initially demanding the abolition of civil service job quotas, before evolving into a broader anti-government movement.
Her administration responded by deploying police against protesters, leading to violent crackdowns. Hasina condemned agitators as "terrorists" and ordered hundreds of arrests. A leaked audio clip, which she denies, allegedly contained an order to security forces to "use lethal weapons." On August 5, the day Hasina departed by helicopter, police killed at least 52 people in Dhaka, marking a significant instance of police violence.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Beyond the conviction for crimes against humanity, Hasina faces additional charges:
- Another case at the same tribunal concerning alleged forced disappearances during her Awami League's rule.
- Corruption charges in a separate court.
Hasina and the Awami League maintain their innocence regarding all charges.