Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina to death after finding her guilty of crimes against humanity linked to last year’s student-led uprising that toppled her Awami League government. The judgement concludes a months-long trial that held Hasina responsible for ordering a nationwide crackdown that left hundreds dead.
The three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Mohd Golam Mortuza Majumder, also announced verdicts against former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun on similar charges. While the court found all three guilty of acting together to suppress and kill protesters, it pardoned Mamun for fully cooperating with investigators and apologizing to the nation.
Hasina and Kamal were declared fugitives and tried in absentia. Mamun initially appeared before the tribunal but later turned approver.
What the Court Said
The tribunal observed that Hasina’s government ignored students’ demands and further inflamed tensions by making derogatory remarks, including calling protesting students “Razakars.” According to the judgement, this triggered widespread anger among students, including women.
The court held that Hasina subsequently ordered the elimination of protesting students. Witnesses testified that the violent attacks on Dhaka University were carried out by Awami League groups such as the Chhatra League and Yuva League.
“Hasina ordered law enforcement agencies to use drones, helicopters, and lethal weapons to locate and kill protesters,” the tribunal said.
Kamal and Mamun were found guilty of abetting the use of deadly weapons and failing to prevent atrocities.
Announcing the verdict, Justice Majumder said Hasina was found guilty on three counts: incitement, ordering killings, and failing to prevent crimes. “We have decided to inflict her with only one sentence — the sentence of death,” he declared before a packed courtroom.
Charges Against Sheikh Hasina
Hasina, Kamal and Mamun faced five charges, including murder, attempted murder, torture and other inhumane acts. One of the major accusations stated that Hasina ordered the “extermination” of protesters by directing lethal force during the mass unrest that forced her out of office in August 2024.
A UN report estimated that nearly 1,400 people were killed between July 15 and August 15 during the “July Uprising,” as Hasina’s government ordered sweeping operations against demonstrators.
Hasina, 78, is currently living in exile in India after defying tribunal orders to appear in court. Prosecutors described her as the “mastermind” behind the crackdown, while her supporters insist the charges are politically motivated.
Extradition Request
Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 4, 2024, and has remained in India since. Kamal is also believed to be in India. Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has formally sought her extradition, but India has not responded.
Unrest and Security Tightened
Ahead of the verdict, security across Bangladesh was dramatically tightened. Dhaka Metropolitan Police issued shoot-at-sight orders against acts of arson or attacks on civilians and police. The now-disbanded Awami League had announced a two-day shutdown before the judgement.
Army units, Border Guard Bangladesh personnel and riot police were deployed across the capital, with streets left deserted amid fears of further violence.
