Dhaka Court Orders Death Penalty for Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina Over Crackdown on Student Protests

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for alleged crimes against humanity linked to last year’s student-led uprising that toppled her Awami League government. The verdict concludes a months-long trial in which the tribunal found her guilty on three separate charges, including ordering a violent crackdown on protesters.

The three-member bench, led by Justice Mohd Golam Mortuza Majumder, also delivered judgments against two of Hasina’s close associates—former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun—who were accused of acting together to orchestrate nationwide violence against demonstrators. While Mamun was initially present during the trial, he later turned approver and was pardoned after apologising to both the tribunal and the public.

Hasina and Kamal, both declared fugitives, were tried in absentia.

What the Court Said

The tribunal noted that the Hasina administration ignored student demands and instead dismissed and insulted the movement, referring to protesters as “Razakars”—a deeply offensive term in Bangladesh. According to the court, this triggered widespread outrage among students.

The judges stated that Hasina ordered the “elimination” of protesting students and authorised the use of drones, helicopters and lethal weapons to target crowds. Witness testimonies confirmed that student activists, including women, were attacked by ruling party wings such as the Chhatra League and Juba League.

The court held Kamal and Mamun responsible for enabling the deployment of drones and deadly force and for failing to prevent atrocities. While Mamun received a full pardon after acknowledging his role, Hasina and Kamal were convicted, with the court noting their absconding as an indication of guilt.

Judge Majumder announced:
“Sheikh Hasina is found guilty on three counts—incitement, ordering killings and failing to stop the atrocities. The tribunal imposes a single sentence: death.”

Charges Against Hasina

Hasina, Kamal and Mamun faced five charges, including murder, attempted murder, torture and other inhumane acts. One major allegation was that Hasina ordered the “extermination” of protesters. She was also accused of inflammatory speeches and directing the use of deadly weapons during the July 2024 uprising, during which a UN report estimates up to 1,400 people were killed in a sweeping crackdown.

Hasina, now 78, has been living in exile in India since August 2024 after refusing to appear before the tribunal.

Extradition Efforts

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has formally requested India to extradite Hasina. India has not yet issued a response. Kamal is also believed to be in India.

Security Situation in Bangladesh

Tension across Bangladesh escalated ahead of the verdict. Dhaka Metropolitan Police issued shoot-at-sight orders for acts of arson or violence. Streets near the tribunal in Dhaka were heavily fortified with army, Border Guard Bangladesh and riot police deployed. The dissolved Awami League had announced a two-day shutdown prior to the judgement, and large parts of the city remained deserted as fears of unrest grew.

News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.