Bangladesh's Former PM Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death

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Bangladesh's former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death for her role in a violent crackdown on student-led protests that resulted in her ousting. The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) found Hasina guilty of allowing the use of lethal force, which led to the deaths of 1,400 protesters last year. Tried in absentia, she was exiled in India following her removal from power in July 2024.

Prosecutors held Hasina responsible for orchestrating hundreds of killings during the protests. She denied all charges, describing the trial as "biased and politically motivated." Many anticipated the tribunal's decision, marking a significant moment for Bangladesh and echoing protests against years of repression under Hasina's leadership.

The verdict poses a diplomatic dilemma between India and Bangladesh, as Dhaka seeks Hasina's extradition while Delhi remains uncooperative. Hasina, 78, ruled Bangladesh for 15 years, achieving economic growth but also facing criticism for suppressing opposition through arrests, disappearances, and killings. The protests forced her to flee and led to Muhammad Yunus taking over as interim leader.

Hasina, in her reaction, criticised the verdict, viewing it as an attempt to obliterate her political party, the Awami League. Bangladesh’s interim government, while calling the sentence "historic," urged calm in light of potentially strong reactions. Judge Golam Mortuza Mozumder convicted Hasina on counts of incitement, ordering killings, and failing to prevent atrocities.

The unrest began with demands to abolish government job quotas but evolved into a broader movement. UN investigators claimed the deaths might constitute "crimes against humanity." A confirmed leaked call suggested Hasina authorised lethal weapons in the protests—a key piece of evidence, reported the BBC.

Ahead of the judgement, security was heightened in Dhaka, with incidents of violence reported. The victims' families expressed their desire for "exemplary punishment" and closure. While an interim government now leads Bangladesh, elections are planned for February 2026. However, the Awami League faces a ban, and Hasina's legal team continues to contest the trial's fairness.

Key Takeaways

• Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death for her role in protest crackdowns.
• The verdict may strain Bangladesh-India relations over extradition efforts.
• UN and human rights groups express concern over the death penalty's use.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-11-18