Bangladeshi Court Hands Down Death Sentence to Ex-PM in Absentia

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been convicted of ordering the deployment of lethal weaponry against demonstrators during a widespread revolt.

On Monday, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) delivered a death sentence in absentia to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, in a case involving crimes against humanity.

Media reports indicate that the verdict found her culpable for orchestrating a violent suppression of student-led protests that took place last year.

The accusations leveled against Hasina include murder, attempted murder, torture, and the alleged directive for security forces to use deadly weapons against the protesters.

In a statement, Hasina declared, “The verdicts announced against me have been made by a rigged tribunal established and presided over by an unelected government with no democratic mandate. They are biased and politically motivated.”

Hasina, who sought refuge in India after the 2024 uprising, remarked in a recent interview with RT that the judgment was a “foregone conclusion.” She currently resides in India.

According to UN estimates, up to 1,400 people died, with the majority succumbing to gunfire from security forces during the crackdown. The demonstrations ceased after her departure from the country.

Among others charged in this case are former Interior Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Al-Mamun was the sole accused individual present in court.

Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus currently serves as the chief adviser for Bangladesh’s interim government. Bangladesh is slated to hold elections in 2026. Hasina’s Awami League, which governed for 15 years prior to the uprising, has been prohibited from participating.

Hasina is the daughter of Bangladesh’s first president, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was assassinated in a 1975 military coup.

Ahead of the verdict, hundreds of protesters marched towards Dhanmondi 32, Rahman’s former residence.