Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death Over 2024 Bangladesh Crackdown

Dhaka, Nov 17, 2025 – In a landmark and deeply controversial ruling, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, 78, has been sentenced to death by the country’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) for “crimes against humanity” committed during last year’s anti-government protests that toppled her Awami League government.

The verdict, delivered by a three-member tribunal headed by Judge Golam Mortuza Mozumder, found Hasina guilty on three counts: incitement, ordering the killing of protesters, and failing to prevent atrocities committed during the unrest. Alongside her, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun were also sentenced over the same charges. Hasina and Kamal were tried in absentia, having fled the country during the upheaval, while Mamun initially faced trial in person before turning approver.

The courtroom erupted into applause, cheers, and clapping as the sentence was announced, while some onlookers broke into tears. Judge Mozumder emphasized the severity of the crimes and stated, “We have decided to inflict her with only one sentence – that is, the sentence of death.” The ICT also clarified that under its laws, Hasina cannot appeal the verdict unless she returns to Bangladesh or is arrested within 30 days.

Sheikh Hasina had been in self-imposed exile in India since August 5, 2024, after tens of thousands of protesters marched towards her residence in Dhaka. The demonstrations, triggered by allegations of government corruption and mismanagement, escalated into violent clashes that left more than 1,400 people dead, according to the United Nations. Her exile marked the end of a 15-year-long tenure as Bangladesh’s prime minister.

In a dramatic turn, the tribunal’s sentencing signals a politically charged chapter in Bangladesh’s history, raising questions about judicial impartiality and the potential for further unrest. Many observers have criticized the tribunal for conducting trials in absentia and pointed to concerns over bias, given Hasina’s powerful political influence and international connections.

The international community is closely monitoring developments, as Hasina remains in a secret safe house in Delhi. Human rights organizations have called for caution, highlighting that such high-profile political trials carry significant risks of escalating tensions both domestically and regionally.

Sheikh Hasina’s sentencing comes at a critical juncture for Bangladesh, which has been grappling with political instability, rising public protests, and social unrest. The country now faces the dual challenge of navigating domestic security concerns while responding to intense global scrutiny.

This ruling will have far-reaching consequences not only for Bangladesh’s political landscape but also for international diplomacy, as world leaders and human rights bodies assess the implications of the tribunal’s decision and the safety of a prominent political figure now living in exile.

As the nation processes this unprecedented verdict, the eyes of the world remain on Dhaka and Delhi, awaiting the next moves in a saga that has already reshaped Bangladesh’s modern political history.