Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death in Bangladesh for Crimes Against Humanity

Dhaka, Bangladesh – November 17, 2025: Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for her role in crimes against humanity during last year’s student-led uprising that toppled her Awami League government. The tribunal also ruled against two of her aides, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, over their involvement in the same case.

The court found Hasina guilty on three counts, including incitement, ordering killings, and failing to prevent atrocities against student protesters in Dhaka and across the country. The tribunal’s verdict concluded a months-long trial that examined her government’s brutal response to protests in July and August 2024, when security forces allegedly used lethal force, drones, helicopters, and firearms to disperse demonstrators.

Charges and Tribunal Findings

Hasina, 78, was accused of ordering the "extermination" of students participating in the protests, as well as making inflammatory statements that branded demonstrators as "Razakars," a derogatory term in Bangladesh. The court stated that she directed law enforcement agencies to deploy drones and helicopters, along with lethal weapons, to target and eliminate protesters.

Former Home Minister Kamal and police chief Mamun were found complicit in these actions. While Mamun was granted a pardon after fully cooperating and providing evidence, Hasina and Kamal were declared fugitives and tried in absentia.

The tribunal highlighted that between July 15 and August 15, 2024, up to 1,400 people were killed during what became known as the "July Uprising," a figure cited in a UN rights report. Witness testimony indicated coordinated attacks by Awami League wings, including Chhatra League and Yuva League, targeting students throughout Bangladesh.

Exile and Extradition

Hasina fled to India on August 4, 2024, as unrest intensified, and remains in exile. Kamal is also believed to have taken refuge in India. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has formally requested her extradition, but India has yet to respond.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam described Hasina as the "mastermind and principal architect" of the atrocities, while supporters of the former PM claim the charges are politically motivated.

Nationwide Tension and Security Measures

Ahead of the tribunal’s verdict, Bangladesh witnessed heightened security across major cities. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police issued shoot-at-sight orders against anyone involved in arson, explosions, or attempts to harm civilians and security personnel. The streets of the capital remained largely deserted, and army troops, Border Guard Bangladesh personnel, and riot police were deployed around the ICT-BD complex.

The now-disbanded Awami League called for a two-day shutdown in protest, adding to fears of widespread unrest following the verdict.

Impact and Global Attention

This unprecedented ruling marks a significant moment in Bangladesh’s political history, as a former prime minister has been sentenced to death for alleged crimes against humanity. The verdict is expected to have far-reaching political and social implications, potentially sparking protests, diplomatic discussions, and further scrutiny of Bangladesh’s legal and political system.

The death sentence against Sheikh Hasina underscores the intensity of the student-led protests that shook Bangladesh in 2024 and the tribunal’s resolve to hold leaders accountable for alleged abuses of power. With Hasina in exile and tensions high, the nation remains on edge as it braces for the potential fallout from this historic ruling.