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Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina received a death sentence on Monday after a tribunal court ruled that she committed “crimes against humanity” during the 2024 student uprising. The verdict brings relief to the families of those killed in the violence. Hasina, however, remains in exile in India.
The court also sentenced former interior minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun received a lighter punishment—a five-year prison term—after he cooperated with investigators and pleaded guilty in July.
Sheikh Hasina Given Death Sentence
Judge Golam Mortuza Mozumder read the verdict and said Hasina was guilty on three major charges:
• inciting violence
• ordering killings
• failing to prevent atrocities
The court had initially considered a life sentence but revised the punishment after reviewing additional charges.
“We have decided to inflict her with only one sentence — the sentence of death,” Judge Mozumder said.
Hasina and her aides faced five key accusations:
- orchestrating mass killings of protesters in Dhaka
- using helicopters and drones to fire on civilians
- murdering student activist Abu Sayed
- burning bodies in Ashulia to destroy evidence
- coordinating the killing of demonstrators in Chankharpul
Responses to the Verdict
Hasina rejected all allegations. She called the verdict “rigged,” “politically motivated,” and issued by a “kangaroo court.”
The Yunus-led interim government welcomed the ruling.
“The courts of Bangladesh have spoken with clarity. No one, regardless of power, is above the law,” chief adviser Muhammad Yunus said.
Bangladesh then urged India to extradite Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Both fled Dhaka after the August uprising and were tried in absentia. Dhaka said the extradition treaty obligates India to return them.
India responded by saying it has “noted the verdict.”
“As a close neighbour, India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh—peace, democracy, inclusion, and stability,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated.
The United Nations also issued a reaction. It called the ruling “an important moment for victims,” but said it “regrets the imposition of the death penalty.”
The UN rights office added that all trials involving international crimes must meet strict due-process standards.
What’s Next for Sheikh Hasina?
Hasina’s future now depends on how India handles the extradition request. Bangladesh reiterated its demand shortly after the verdict and warned that granting asylum would be “a grave unfriendly act and a contempt of justice.”
The International Crimes Tribunal will first move to confiscate Hasina’s properties. The ruling can be appealed only if Hasina returns or is arrested within 30 days. If she ignores the summons, the court may declare her a fugitive.
If that happens, Bangladesh can seize her property, cancel her passport, and escalate extradition efforts, including issuing an Interpol Red Notice.
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