Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death by Bangladesh Tribunal
Description :
Ousted Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina is convicted of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death in absentia after a tribunal rules she ordered a brutal crackdown on 2024 student protests.
Published on:
18 November 2025 | 10:00 AM (GMT+05:30, IST, India)
Published by: Mr. Dibakar Mandal
Introduction
Bangladesh is in the grip of a fresh political earthquake: former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death in absentia by Dhaka’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) for her alleged role in ordering a lethal crackdown on a mass, student-led uprising in 2024. The verdict, delivered by a three-judge bench, accuses her of incitement, authorising the use of helicopters, drones, and lethal weapons, and failing to protect civilians — charges she vehemently denies.
Hasina, who fled Bangladesh in August 2024 and now lives in exile in India, has rejected the tribunal’s legitimacy, labeling it a “rigged kangaroo court.” Meanwhile, tens of thousands of her supporters have taken to the streets in shock, even as security forces brace for more unrest across Dhaka. The ruling signals not only a judicial but a deeply political moment in Bangladesh’s history — and the world is watching.
Background: From Uprising to Tribunal
The trouble began in July–August 2024, when student protests erupted across Bangladesh. The demonstrators objected to government policies, but the movement quickly escalated into a national uprising against Hasina’s administration. Authorities responded with force. According to tribunal prosecutors and international observers, up to 1,400 people may have died during the crackdown, making it one of the deadliest episodes in Bangladesh since its 1971 independence war.
Shortly after the protests, Hasina resigned and left the country. An interim government under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed power, pledging accountability. In June 2025, the ICT formally charged her, along with her former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, with crimes against humanity.
Trial proceedings were conducted in absentia, since Hasina has refused to return to Bangladesh to face the charges.
Key Findings from the Verdict
- The court found Hasina guilty on multiple counts, including incitement and ordering killings.
- According to the tribunal, she “ordered the use of lethal weapons, drones and helicopters” against protesters in areas like Chankarpul in Dhaka.
- Her death sentence is for three major counts; on other counts, she received a separate life sentence.
- Co-defendant Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal was also sentenced to death, while Al-Mamun received five years in prison for cooperating.
- The court ordered compensation to be paid to the families of those killed and to the injured.
Reactions — Domestic and International
Sheikh Hasina’s Response:
From exile, Hasina condemned the verdict. She claims she was denied a fair trial, calling the tribunal “politically motivated” and lacking legitimacy under the interim government.
Interim Government’s Viewpoint:
The Yunus-led government hailed the verdict as a historic act of justice. It argues the court followed due process and that accountability was long overdue.
Human Rights Concerns:
Human Rights Watch has raised red flags. While they acknowledge the importance of accountability, they criticize the in-absentia trial and argue that fair-trial standards were compromised.
The UN also expressed concern: a spokesperson noted that while the world must see justice, “we regret the imposition of the death penalty.”
Public Stability:
Tensions are high in Dhaka. The government has deployed extra security forces, and checkpoints surround key courts. Meanwhile, protests by Hasina’s supporters have broken out, and there are fears of escalating violence as politics and justice collide.
Political Implications: What’s at Stake
- Power Vacuum & Realignment:
Hasina’s Awami League has been banned by the interim government under an amended law, heightening fears of political suppression. This ruling could dramatically reshape Bangladesh’s political landscape. - Election Uncertainty:
National elections are expected in early 2026, but Hasina’s sentence and the crackdown on her party cast a long shadow over the process. - Diplomatic Strains:
Hasina’s presence in India complicates potential extradition. Dhaka has formally requested her return, but New Delhi has remained cautious — given the diplomatic sensitivities and the risk of regional fallout. - Human Rights Debate:
While many victims’ families see the verdict as justice finally being served, critics warn that the in-absentia trial and use of death penalty may undermine broader human rights standards in Bangladesh.
Legal and Long-Term Challenges
- Appeal Prospects: Under ICT-BD rules, Hasina’s legal team or her supporters may try to appeal through Bangladeshi courts. But given her location in India and her contentious relationship with the interim government, the path ahead is legally and politically complex.
- Exile Dynamics: Hasina’s exile status makes physical enforcement of the verdict difficult. Any extradition or return is likely to provoke major diplomatic tension.
- Institutional Trust: Human rights organizations have raised serious concerns about due process, fairness, and political motivation in the tribunal. If the international community perceives the trial as biased, Bangladesh’s justice system could face further scrutiny.
Broader Regional and Global Context
Bangladesh’s crisis is not merely internal — it carries regional implications. The trial and verdict are being closely watched by neighboring countries, especially India and other South Asian nations, as well as by global human rights bodies.
The case highlights how domestic political crises can escalate into human rights flashpoints. The interplay between justice, transitional government legitimacy, and diplomatic pressure will shape Bangladesh’s next chapter — not just as a nation but as a test case for accountability in post-conflict or post-uprising political transitions.
Conclusion
The death sentence handed to Sheikh Hasina marks one of the most dramatic turns in Bangladesh’s political history. It brings into sharp relief unresolved tensions: between justice and revenge, power and accountability, exile and sovereignty. Whether this verdict will heal old wounds or deepen the divide remains to be seen.
What is clear, however, is that Bangladesh now stands at a crossroads. The world will be watching — not only to see whether Hasina’s sentence is enforced, but how her legacy, and that of the 2024 uprising, will shape the future of a nation still grappling with its past.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly was Sheikh Hasina convicted of?
She has been convicted of crimes against humanity, including ordering killings, inciting violence, and failing to prevent mass atrocities during the 2024 student uprising.
2. Why was Hasina tried in absentia?
Hasina fled Bangladesh in August 2024 and has refused to return for her trial. The tribunal proceeded in her absence.
3. Can Hasina appeal the verdict?
Legally, yes. She can appeal within Bangladesh’s judicial system. However, her exile and the political situation make any challenge complex and uncertain.
4. What was the death sentence for?
The death penalty was imposed for three major counts. She was found responsible for ordering lethal force, use of airborne weapons, and failing in her duty to protect civilians.
5. What has been the international reaction?
Human Rights Watch has criticized trial fairness, while the UN has voiced concern over the use of the death penalty. Some see the conviction as a landmark for accountability; others worry about political motivation.
External Resources & References
- Human Rights Watch – Hasina Found Guilty of Crimes Against Humanity
- Al Jazeera – Tension High as Tribunal Convicts Hasina
- The Guardian – Hasina Sentenced to Death for 2024 Crackdown
- Indian Express – Hasina: “No Fair Chance to Defend Myself”
- Business Standard – Hasina Says Tribunal Was “Rigged”
Sheikh Hasina death sentence
, Bangladesh political crisis, International Crimes Tribunal Bangladesh, 2024 student uprising, crimes against humanity verdict, exile Hasina
