Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death in Absentia for Crimes Against Humanity in Bangladesh Crackdown

DILIP DAIMARY

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Monday handed down a death sentence to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, convicting her in absentia of crimes against humanity for her role in the brutal suppression of student-led protests in 2024 that ultimately toppled her 15-year rule.

The three-judge panel, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, found Hasina guilty on multiple counts, including incitement to violence, issuing orders for killings, and failing to prevent atrocities by security forces. “Accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina committed crimes against humanity by her incitement order and also failure to take preventive and punitive measures,” the judge stated during the reading of the 453-page verdict in a packed Dhaka courtroom, where families of victims erupted in cheers and applause.

Hasina, 78, who fled to India in August 2024 amid the escalating unrest, was tried alongside former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who also received a death sentence in absentia. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who pleaded guilty and cooperated as a state witness, was sentenced to five years in prison.

Prosecutors accused Hasina of orchestrating a “widespread and systematic attack” on civilians, including the deployment of lethal force-such as helicopters, drones, and close-range gunfire-against unarmed protesters. The charges highlighted specific incidents, including the killing of student activist Abu Sayed, mass shootings in Dhaka, and efforts to conceal evidence by incinerating bodies. A United Nations report estimates up to 1,400 people were killed and thousands injured during the July-August 2024 uprising, which began over job quota reforms but swelled into a broader anti-government movement.

In a statement issued from exile shortly after the verdict, Hasina denounced the proceedings as “biased and politically motivated,” calling the tribunal a “rigged” body under an “unelected government with no democratic mandate.” She insisted the charges were fabricated to eliminate her Awami League party as a political force ahead of elections planned for February 2026.

Bangladesh’s interim government, headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, hailed the ruling as “historic,” with officials emphasizing that “no one, regardless of power, is above the law.” The Yunus administration immediately renewed calls for India to extradite Hasina and Khan, citing a bilateral extradition treaty. Dhaka’s Foreign Ministry warned that sheltering the convicts would constitute a “grave unfriendly act and contempt of justice.”

India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded cautiously, stating it had “noted” the verdict and reaffirming New Delhi’s commitment to Bangladesh’s “peace, democracy, inclusion, and stability.” No mention was made of extradition, underscoring the delicate diplomatic tightrope: Hasina has long been seen as a key ally for India in maintaining regional influence and countering Islamist extremism in Bangladesh.

Human rights organizations offered measured reactions. While acknowledging the verdict as an “important moment for victims,” the UN Human Rights Office and groups like Human Rights Watch criticized the retention of the death penalty and urged reforms to ensure future trials meet international fair-trial standards. The ICT, originally established by Hasina in 2010 to prosecute 1971 war crimes, has faced longstanding accusations of political bias.

The ruling intensifies pressure on Hasina’s fate. She has 30 days to appeal, but only if she surrenders or is arrested. Failure to do so could lead to her being declared a fugitive, with potential asset confiscation, passport revocation, and an Interpol Red Notice. Bangladesh has indicated it may seek property seizures to compensate victims.

As Dhaka remained under heavy security-with paramilitary forces deployed amid fears of unrest-the verdict marks a pivotal chapter in Bangladesh’s turbulent post-Hasina era. It delivers catharsis for many families scarred by the 2024 violence but risks deepening divisions in a nation still grappling with political instability, economic challenges, and strained ties with its giant neighbor, India.

The international community watches closely, with implications for accountability, democratic transitions, and South Asian geopolitics in the balance.

18-11-2025

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