IRIA News

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Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity related to her role in the violent crackdown on student protests in July and August 2024.

Hasina, along with former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, was tried in absentia after they fled to India during the mass uprising that ended her government’s 15-year rule. Bangladesh has demanded India to extradite Sheikh Hasina, hours after she was sentenced to death.

The tribunal found Hasina responsible for ordering security forces to suppress nationwide student demonstrations, which left over 1,400 people dead, according to United Nations estimates.

Prosecutors said Hasina and senior officials deployed helicopters, drones, and live ammunition against protesters and carried out targeted killings, including the burning of bodies, to maintain political control. Former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun was sentenced to five years in prison after becoming an approver in the case.

The trial, which began on June 1, 2025, lasted 28 working days and included testimony from 54 witnesses who described the crackdown as systematic and state-directed.

Courtroom erupts in cheers as Sheikh Hasina is sentenced to death

People in the courtroom cheering and clapping as the court issued the death sentence for ousted Bangladesh leader Sheikh Hasina. pic.twitter.com/WrMezrgYNa

— DOAM (@doamuslims) November 17, 2025

Central to the prosecution’s case was an allegation that Hasina referred to protesters as “children and grandchildren of Rajakars”, a term associated with traitors during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, on July 14, 2024. Prosecutors argued that her statement served as a prelude to lethal action against demonstrators.

Among the most serious allegations was the murder of Abu Sayeed, a student at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, reportedly targeted on Hasina’s orders.

On August 5, 2024, law enforcement officers allegedly shot six people in Dhaka’s Chankharpul neighborhood under her directive. The tribunal also cited multiple incidents of brutality, including the burning of corpses and the assault on injured individuals.

Hasina’s Response

In a statement released by her Awami League party via social media, Hasina called the verdict “distasteful” and “politically motivated.” She described the tribunal as “rigged” and accused it of scapegoating her party.

“The trials conducted by the so-called International Crimes Tribunal were never intended to achieve justice or provide genuine insight into the events of July and August 2024,” she said.

78-year-old Hasina has been living in India since being forced from power in August 2024. Bangladesh has requested her extradition, though New Delhi has not indicated whether it will comply. Ahead of the verdict, Hasina urged supporters not to fear and vowed that the Awami League would continue as a political force despite her exile.

Political Fallout

The verdict has sparked unrest across Bangladesh. Security has been increased nationwide, and reports from Dhaka and surrounding cities indicate incidents of violence, including burning vehicles, explosions near educational institutions, and heightened police presence.

Dhaka Police Commissioner Sajjat Ali warned, “Anyone trying to set fire to a bus or throw a cocktail bomb, then they will have to shoot on sight.” The Border Guard Bangladesh and other security forces have been deployed to maintain order near the ICT premises.

The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, described the verdict as “historic” and urged citizens to follow law and order. Since Hasina’s ouster, the Awami League has faced bans on political activity, restrictions on media reporting its statements, and the arrest or exile of many senior leaders.

Hasina’s Political Background

Sheikh Hasina first became prime minister in 1996 and, after a brief hiatus, returned to power in 2009, maintaining leadership of the Awami League for over a decade. Her government was credited with significant economic growth and social reforms, but faced criticism for curbing dissent and allegations of authoritarianism.

The ICT, established by Hasina’s government in 2010, was initially tasked with prosecuting leaders of opposition parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami, for war crimes committed during the 1971 Liberation War.

While supporters hailed it as a historic step toward justice, human rights organizations have criticized the tribunal for alleged violations of legal rights and for being used to settle political scores.

The 2024 student-led protests that precipitated Hasina’s ouster began as demonstrations against corruption, education reforms, and political grievances. The government’s response, including lethal force, mass arrests, and reported human rights abuses, intensified public anger and culminated in a nationwide uprising that ended the Awami League’s 15-year rule.

Implications for Bangladesh and the Region

The verdict comes ahead of national elections scheduled for February 2026, adding pressure on Bangladesh’s political system. Analysts warn that the ruling could reshape party dynamics, embolden the interim government, and further polarize society. India, home to Hasina and a key regional player, faces diplomatic pressure over potential extradition requests, complicating bilateral relations.

As Bangladesh approaches a critical election period, the nation stands at a crossroads. The coming months will test the resilience of its institutions, the stability of its political actors, and the patience of its citizens, while the international community watches closely.