Bangladesh Tribunal Sentences Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina to Death in Trial

The International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death after finding her guilty of crimes related to last year’s student-led uprising. The verdict was delivered on Monday in Dhaka following months of legal proceedings and comes ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for early February.

Sheikh Hasina, age 78, was removed from power in August 2024 and has since been living in India. She did not appear in court for the judgment. The Tribunal imposed a life sentence on charges of crimes against humanity and a death sentence for the killing of several people during the unrest. The court announced the decision under heavy security, and the ruling was met with applause inside the courtroom. The verdict can still be appealed before the Supreme Court.

Hasina’s political party, the Awami League, has already been barred from participating in the upcoming elections, raising concerns that the judgment may increase political tensions in the country. Her son and adviser, Sajeeb Wazed, said they would not consider an appeal unless a democratically elected government came to office and allowed the Awami League to be part of the process.

During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence claiming that Hasina directly authorised the use of lethal force during the July–August 2024 student uprising. According to a United Nations report cited in the case, as many as 1,400 people may have been killed during the protests, with thousands more injured. Most casualties were attributed to gunfire by security forces. The unrest was described as the most serious violence in Bangladesh since the 1971 war of independence.

Hasina was represented by a state-appointed lawyer, who argued that the charges were groundless and requested her acquittal. In earlier statements, Hasina criticised the tribunal, saying the proceedings lacked fairness and that the outcome was predetermined. She maintained that the actions of security forces during the protests were not personally directed by her.

The country remains tense following the announcement of the verdict. In recent days, at least 30 crude bomb explosions and several arson incidents targeting vehicles have been reported across Bangladesh. Authorities said there were no casualties but confirmed that security forces were on high alert, particularly in the capital.

Bangladesh has been governed by an interim administration led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus since Hasina left the country. Although the political environment has been more stable than during last year’s unrest, uncertainty continues ahead of elections. Hasina warned in a recent interview that a large number of Awami League supporters might boycott the upcoming vote, adding to concerns about political participation and stability.

On Monday, paramilitary troops were deployed across Dhaka and positioned around key government institutions, the tribunal complex, and strategic locations. Officials said they were prepared to respond to any disturbances that might follow the verdict.