Dhaka — In a landmark and deeply polarizing decision, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death in absentia, holding her responsible for ordering a violent crackdown on student protesters during the 2024 uprising.
The tribunal ruled that Hasina directly oversaw and authorized lethal force against demonstrators, an operation that resulted in widespread casualties and drew global condemnation. The judgment cites extensive evidence, including witness testimonies and security directives allegedly issued from the Prime Minister’s Office during the height of the unrest.
Hasina, who fled the country after her government was toppled in August 2024, has dismissed the charges as politically motivated. Her Awami League party has strongly condemned the verdict, calling it an act of revenge by the current authorities.
Security has been tightened across major cities, including Dhaka, amid fears of protests and unrest following the announcement. Human rights groups have expressed concerns about the fairness of the trial, urging Bangladesh to ensure due process as tensions escalate.
Under tribunal law, an appeal is possible only if Hasina returns or is taken into custody within the stipulated period — an outcome deemed unlikely given her current exile. The verdict marks one of the most consequential political judgments in Bangladesh’s recent history.
