Bangladesh’s former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, has been sentenced to death after being found guilty of crimes against humanity for her government’s violent response to student-led protests that ultimately drove her from power.
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) ruled that Hasina authorised the use of deadly force during last year’s mass demonstrations, which left around 1,400 people dead. She has been living in exile in India since her ousting in July 2024 and was tried in absentia.
Prosecutors alleged she oversaw hundreds of killings during the unrest, while families of the victims demanded harsh punishment. Hasina, however, has repeatedly rejected the accusations, describing the proceedings as politically motivated and biased.
The verdict had been widely anticipated following months of hearings at the ICT, a domestic war-crimes court. Still, the ruling marks a significant moment for Bangladesh, reflecting public outrage over what many saw as years of repression under Hasina’s 15-year rule. Her government had overseen economic growth but was increasingly criticised for silencing critics through politically driven arrests, disappearances, and extrajudicial killings.
The student protests that toppled her government began with frustrations over civil-service quotas but soon grew into a broad anti-government movement. After her flight, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus was appointed to lead an interim administration.
In a five-page statement responding to the judgment, Hasina accused the interim government of using the death sentence to “destroy the Awami League as a political force”. She insisted she was proud of her human-rights record and said she was prepared to defend herself in a fair and impartial court.
A February report by UN human-rights investigators said the deaths during the protest crackdown could amount to “crimes against humanity”, citing point-blank shootings, deliberate maiming, torture, and arbitrary arrests. Leaked audio, verified earlier this year, suggested Hasina had authorised the use of “lethal weapons” in July 2024; this recording was presented in court.
Dhaka, where the tribunal is based, was placed under heightened security ahead of the verdict. Supporters of the ruling cheered as the judgment was read, even as the capital experienced fresh unrest, including bomb blasts and arson attacks in the days leading up to the decision. Police reported at least one explosion on Monday, though no casualties.
Relatives of those killed during the protests said they welcomed the sentence.
Ramjan Ali, whose brother was shot dead in July 2024, called for an “exemplary punishment” for Hasina.
Lucky Akther, whose husband was killed a month later, said she hoped the sentence would be carried out before the upcoming election so that families could “find peace”.
Since Hasina’s ouster, the interim government—led by economist Muhammad Yunus—has overseen preparations for a parliamentary election scheduled for February 2026. The Awami League, Hasina’s political party, was banned in May, and she had recently warned that millions would boycott the vote if her party remained excluded.
The ruling also complicates relations between Bangladesh and India. Dhaka has formally requested Hasina’s extradition, but India has shown no sign it will comply, making it unlikely that the death penalty will be enforced.
Hasina’s state-appointed lawyer, Mohammad Amir Hossain, expressed regret over the outcome, noting that he could not appeal the verdict because his client was absent. Last week, Hasina’s legal team announced an urgent appeal to the UN, raising concerns about fair-trial standards and due-process violations. She has said she is willing to take the case to the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
Hasina was sentenced alongside her former home minister and police chief.
While the ruling may offer some sense of justice to families of victims, analysts say it is unlikely to ease the country’s deep political rifts.
Rights activist Shireen Huq said that neither Hasina nor the Awami League has shown remorse for the killings, making reconciliation difficult. Many survivors who were permanently injured in the crackdown say they cannot forgive her.
Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Handed Death Sentence