Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death by Bangladesh Tribunal for 2024 Crackdown

Bangladesh’s ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal-Bangladesh after being found guilty of crimes against humanity linked to the deadly crackdown on student protesters during the 2024 uprising. The verdict was delivered in her absence, as she has been in exile in India since leaving the country last year.

The tribunal stated that Hasina was responsible for authorising excessive force against demonstrators demanding reforms in state recruitment quotas. The protests, which spread across universities and major cities, turned into one of the largest youth movements in the country’s history. Independent estimates suggest that more than a thousand people may have been killed during clashes between protesters and security forces, though official numbers remain lower.

According to the court, Hasina was convicted on three charges, including directing security agencies to use lethal methods and failing to prevent the killings despite being informed of the situation. Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan was also handed a death sentence in the same case, while former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who testified as a state witness, received a five-year prison term.

Soon after the verdict, Sheikh Hasina issued a statement from exile, calling the judgment “biased” and “politically motivated.” She claimed the trial was carried out without proper legal safeguards and said she would not return to Bangladesh under the current interim administration.

The Awami League, which Hasina led for more than a decade, said the ruling reflected an attempt to eliminate political opposition ahead of the 2026 national elections. The party remains banned from participating in the upcoming polls.

Security was tightened across Dhaka and other major cities following the announcement, with authorities bracing for public reactions. University areas saw an increased presence of law enforcement, and several campuses reported small gatherings of students reacting to the decision.

International observers have expressed concern about the fairness of trying a former head of government in absentia, warning that the verdict could intensify political tensions. Diplomatic attention has also turned to India, where Hasina has been staying since her removal from office, as the ruling may complicate regional relations.

The tribunal said the defence has 60 days to appeal, though lawyers close to Hasina have indicated they are unlikely to challenge the ruling unless a fully elected government is restored. The court also ordered the confiscation of properties belonging to both Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan.

The sentencing marks a dramatic turning point for Bangladesh’s political landscape and adds further uncertainty to the country as it approaches a critical election year.