Bangladesh Tribunal Sentences Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Death for Crimes Against Humanity
Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity. The verdict was delivered in absentia, as Hasina has resided in India since her removal from power in July 2024.
Charges and Verdict
The tribunal found Sheikh Hasina guilty of authorizing the use of lethal force against protesters, leading to approximately 1,400 deaths during unrest in 2024. Prosecutors had alleged her involvement in hundreds of killings during these protests.
Hasina has consistently denied all charges, describing the trial as "biased and politically motivated." In a five-page statement reacting to the verdict, she stated that the death penalty represented the interim government's attempt to "nullify the Awami League as a political force." She also affirmed pride in her government's human rights record, adding, "I am not afraid to face my accusers in a proper tribunal where the evidence can be weighed and tested fairly."
Background of the 2024 Protests
The student-led uprising in 2024 initially focused on demands to abolish government job quotas before expanding into a broader anti-government movement. A UN human rights investigators' report in February indicated that the approximately 1,400 deaths could constitute "crimes against humanity." The report documented instances including the shooting of some protesters at close range, deliberate maiming, arbitrary arrests, and torture.
Leaked audio, verified by BBC Eye earlier this year and played in court, indicated Hasina's authorization for the use of "lethal weapons" in July 2024.
Public and Official Reactions
Dhaka, the capital city and location of the tribunal, experienced heightened security measures before Monday's verdict. Critics of Hasina held a rally and demonstrated support during the verdict announcement. The city had experienced increased unrest, including dozens of reported bomb explosions and bus fires, in the days preceding the verdict. Local police official Jisanul Haque reported at least one bomb explosion in Dhaka on Monday morning, with no casualties.
Prior to the verdict, family members of individuals killed during the protests expressed a desire for severe punishment for Hasina. Ramjan Ali, whose brother was fatally shot in July 2024, called for "exemplary punishment" for Hasina and others perceived to have "committed acts of vengeance and abused their power." Lucky Akther, whose husband died near Dhaka in August 2024, expressed a wish for Hasina's sentence to be "carried out before the election," stating that this action would bring "peace in their hearts" to the families of those killed.
Political Landscape and Diplomatic Challenges
Following Hasina's removal, an interim government led by economist Muhammad Yunus assumed authority. A parliamentary election is scheduled for February 2026. The Awami League, Hasina's political party, was banned by Bangladesh's interim government in May. Hasina had previously stated that if Awami League candidates were barred from the election, millions would boycott the vote.
The verdict has created a diplomatic challenge between India and Bangladesh. Dhaka has formally requested Hasina's extradition, but India has not yet complied. Mohammad Amir Hossain, Hasina's state-appointed lawyer, expressed sorrow over the verdict and stated he wished it "had been different," further noting that an appeal was not possible due to his client's absence. Last week, Hasina's legal team reported filing an urgent appeal to the UN, citing concerns regarding fair trial and due process at the ICT.