Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death by a special tribunal in Dhaka on November 17, 2025, for crimes against humanity linked to the violent crackdown on student protests in 2024. She is currently in exile in India and was tried in absentia.
Background of the Case
- Charges: Sheikh Hasina faced multiple counts of crimes against humanity, including ordering security forces to suppress student-led protests in July 2024 that resulted in dozens of deaths and widespread injuries
- Trial: Conducted by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD), the proceedings lasted several months and concluded with Hasina and two of her close aides—former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun—being found guilty
- Verdict: The tribunal sentenced Hasina to death, while her aides also received severe punishments. Some reports note conflicting outcomes, with certain outlets mentioning life imprisonment, but the majority confirm the death penalty
Political Context
- Ouster: Hasina was forced out of office in August 2024 after mass protests toppled her Awami League government. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus became interim leader, introducing reforms under the “July Charter”
- Exile: Since her ouster, Hasina has lived in India, refusing to return to Bangladesh for trial, which she denounced as “biased” and “politically motivated”
- Awami League Ban: Her party, the Awami League, remains banned. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, has warned that supporters will block the upcoming February 2026 elections unless the ban is lifted.
International Reactions
- India: New Delhi has promised “constructive engagement” but faces pressure from Dhaka to hand Hasina over.
- United Nations: The UN expressed regret over the use of capital punishment, urging Bangladesh to reconsider.
- Global Concerns: Observers worry the verdict could deepen political instability, with Awami League supporters threatening nationwide shutdowns.
Key Takeaways
- Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s longest-serving prime minister, has been convicted of crimes against humanity for her role in the 2024 crackdown.
- She was sentenced to death in absentia on November 17, 2025.
- The verdict has triggered political unrest, with her supporters vowing resistance and international bodies questioning the fairness of the trial.
- Bangladesh’s interim government under Muhammad Yunus insists the trial was legitimate and evidence authentic.
Sources : – The Times of India, Hindustan Times Tne Indian Express.
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