Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death for Crimes Against Humanity

Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death for Crimes Against Humanity

Dhaka, Bangladesh — In a landmark verdict, a special tribunal in Bangladesh has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death in absentia for crimes against humanity, related to a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising in 2024. 

Background: The 2024 Uprising

The unrest began as a student protest in mid-2024. According to multiple sources, the protesters were initially mobilizing around issues of civil service job allocations. 

What started as a protest escalated into a full-blown nationwide uprising, which eventually led to the collapse of Hasina’s 15-year government. 

According to estimates by the United Nations, up to 1,400 people may have been killed during the crackdown, with most of the fatalities caused by security forces. 

The trial and verdict

The case was handled by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-1) in Dhaka. 

Hasina was tried in absentia because she fled the country in August 2024 and is believed to be in India. 

A three-judge bench, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, delivered the verdict. 

She was convicted on several counts, including:

Ordering and inciting the use of drones, helicopters, and lethal weapons against protesters. 

Failure to prevent killings and protect civilians. 

Direct involvement in specific killings, including in Chankharpul (Dhaka) and Ashulia (Savar). 

The court handed down:

Death sentences on three charges. 

Life imprisonment on two other counts.

Reaction & Response

Hasina’s reaction: From exile, she denounced the tribunal as “biased and politically motivated,” claiming she was never given a fair chance to defend herself. 

UN Reaction: While the UN's human rights office welcomed accountability, it expressed concern over the death sentence, as it opposes capital punishment in all circumstances. 

Interim Government: The interim government in Dhaka — led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus — had made prosecuting Hasina a priority.  

Public Sentiment: Families of victims showed emotional reactions in court. Some expressed that the death sentence was the only form of justice for the loss of their loved ones. 

Key Legal and Political Implications

Precedent-setting verdict: This is a historic case — a former prime minister being sentenced to death by a domestic tribunal.

Legitimacy & Fair Trial Concerns: Critics argue the ICT lacks sufficient safeguards; others warn of political motivations. 

Extradition complications: Since Hasina is reportedly in India, Bangladesh may face challenges in securing her return for possible execution. 

Political Fallout: The verdict risks deepening divisions; Hasina’s party (Awami League) is already marginalized under the interim government. 

Human rights debates: The use of the death penalty remains controversial, especially in politically charged trials. 

Looking Ahead

Appeal: The verdict can be appealed to Bangladesh’s Supreme Court. 

Diplomatic Tensions: Bangladesh may press India to extradite Hasina, risking a potential diplomatic confrontation.

Domestic Stability: With high tensions already in Dhaka, there are concerns that the verdict could spark unrest, retaliation, or further crackdowns.

International Scrutiny: The case will be closely watched for its implications for rule of law, transitional justice, and political accountability in Bangladesh.

Conclusion

The death sentence handed to Sheikh Hasina marks an unprecedented moment in Bangladesh’s political history. The ruling raises deep questions about justice, political retribution, and the legitimacy of trial processes in post-crisis settings. Whether this verdict will bring closure to the families of the victims — or fuel further instability — remains to be seen.