Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death Bangladesh Ex-PM Denies Charges

In a shocking and unprecedented ruling, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death in absentia by the country’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) over alleged “crimes against humanity” linked to last year’s deadly student-led protests. Hasina, who led Bangladesh for over a decade, vehemently denied all charges and sharply criticised the court, calling the proceedings biased and politically motivated.

Hasina’s statement, issued minutes after the verdict, highlighted what she described as “the brazen and murderous intent of extremist figures in an unelected government.” She accused the ICT of denying her and the Awami League, her political party, a fair chance to defend themselves, and pointed to judges and lawyers she claimed had publicly expressed support for the current interim administration led by Nobel laureate Dr. Mohammad Yunus.

“For the record, I wholly deny the accusations that have been made against me in the ICT,” Hasina said. “I mourn all of the deaths that occurred last year on both sides, but neither I nor other political leaders ordered the killings of protesters.”

The tribunal, a three-member panel led by Justice Mohd. Golam Mortuza Majumder, found Hasina and two aides—former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-police chief Chowdhury Al-Mamun—guilty on three counts, including orchestrating the deadly crackdown on student protests. The court ruled that they conspired to commit atrocities against demonstrators. While Hasina and Kamal were sentenced in absentia and declared fugitives, the former police chief Al-Mamun was pardoned after issuing an apology to the tribunal and the public.

Sheikh Hasina highlighted three key points in her defense:

1. Senior judges and advocates who previously expressed sympathy for the Awami League have been removed or intimidated.

2. The ICT has exclusively prosecuted members of the Awami League, ignoring crimes committed by other political parties.

3. There has been no investigation or prosecution of documented violence against minorities and civilians by rival political groups.

She strongly criticized the interim administration for allegedly using the trial to scapegoat her party and divert attention from its own failings. “Millions of Bangladeshis living under the chaotic and violent rule of Dr. Yunus will not be fooled,” she said.

The verdict comes amid an atmosphere of intense political tension in Bangladesh, with Hasina’s supporters decrying what they call a “politically motivated trial” designed to target opposition leaders. The ex-PM called for a proper international tribunal, such as the International Criminal Court in The Hague, to ensure fair consideration of the evidence.

Analysts note that the ruling could further polarize the country and ignite protests among Awami League supporters, while raising questions internationally about the impartiality of Bangladesh’s ICT. Human rights organizations and foreign observers have previously expressed concerns over the tribunal’s independence and procedural fairness.

Sheikh Hasina, a towering figure in Bangladeshi politics, now faces the gravest legal challenge of her career, while her supporters brace for a legal and political battle that could have long-term implications for governance, justice, and democracy in Bangladesh.

This landmark sentence underscores the fraught political climate in the nation, highlighting deep divisions and the ongoing struggle over power, accountability, and rule of law in Bangladesh.