In a landmark and politically charged decision, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has been sentenced to death in absentia by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka. The verdict, announced today, found Hasina guilty of crimes against humanity for her alleged role in the deadly crackdown on student-led protests during the 2024 uprising, which ultimately toppled her government.
The trial, which lasted several months following her ouster and subsequent flight into exile, represents one of the most significant legal and political developments in Bangladesh’s recent history.
The Charges: Incitement and Lethal Force
The ICT convicted Hasina, Bangladesh’s longest-serving prime minister, on multiple counts, including incitement, murder, extermination, and ordering the use of lethal weapons. Evidence presented during the trial indicated that she gave orders to security forces to deploy rifles, drones, and helicopters against unarmed civilians during mass demonstrations known as the “July Revolution.”
The UN human rights office estimated that the violent crackdown resulted in approximately 1,400 deaths. The tribunal found Hasina responsible under the principle of command responsibility for the systematic use of force that targeted protesters.
Security Measures and Political Fallout
Ahead of the announcement, Dhaka witnessed heightened security, with police issuing a “shoot-on-sight” directive to prevent unrest. Hasina’s Awami League party, now banned from political activity, had called for nationwide shutdowns to protest the proceedings and verdict.
Sheikh Hasina, who has remained in exile in India since August 2024, has consistently denied the charges, calling the tribunal a “politically motivated charade” and labeling it a “kangaroo court” orchestrated by her rivals in the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Co-Accused and Pardon Decisions
The court also sentenced former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan to death. In contrast, former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who pleaded guilty and cooperated as a state witness, received a pardon.
Historic and Uncertain Implications
The conviction of a former head of government for crimes against humanity is unprecedented in Bangladesh and signals a watershed moment for accountability and transitional justice in the country. However, the immediate political and security implications remain uncertain, with Hasina safely protected in India and her supporters pledging continued resistance.
As Bangladesh faces an unpredictable future, the ruling is likely to have far-reaching consequences for the nation’s political landscape, regional relations, and the rule of law.
What's Your Reaction?
Leave your vote
