Dhaka: In a dramatic ruling that has shaken Bangladesh’s political landscape, the International Crimes Tribunal on Monday handed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina a death sentence, declaring her guilty of “crimes against humanity.”
The judgment follows months of hearings into last year’s student-led uprising, during which the tribunal concluded that Hasina ordered a nationwide crackdown that ultimately toppled her Awami League government.
A three-member bench, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, also convicted two of her closest aides — ex-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun — for jointly orchestrating what prosecutors described as systematic attacks targeting protesters.
Hasina and Kamal, both living abroad, were tried in absentia. Mamun initially appeared in court but later turned approver.
What the Tribunal Found
According to the verdict, Hasina’s administration dismissed student concerns and escalated tensions by branding protesters as “Razakars” — a term loaded with historical stigma in Bangladesh. The tribunal said this comment fuelled outrage, particularly among young women involved in the movement.
Witness testimonies detailed violent assaults on students, allegedly carried out by Awami League affiliates including the Chhatra League and Juba League. Judges concluded Hasina subsequently ordered security forces to “eliminate” demonstrators.
Charges and Background
Hasina, Kamal and Mamun were convicted on five counts: murder, attempted murder, torture, extermination and other inhumane acts.
The prosecution argued that Hasina authorised lethal force during the July–August 2024 unrest, a period now referred to as the “July Uprising.” A UN human rights assessment estimated that up to 1,400 people were killed between July 15 and August 15 during the crackdown.
Now 78, Hasina has been living in India since August last year and has refused to return to face trial. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam labelled her the “mastermind” behind the violence, though her supporters insist the charges are politically driven.
Extradition and Diplomatic Silence
Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has formally requested Hasina’s extradition from India. New Delhi has yet to respond. Kamal is also believed to be in India.
Nation on Edge
Security forces were placed on high alert ahead of the ruling. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali ordered personnel to “shoot on sight” anyone involved in arson or violent attacks. The now-disbanded Awami League had already announced a nationwide shutdown in protest.
Army units, Border Guard Bangladesh troops and riot police cordoned off the tribunal complex as much of Dhaka fell quiet, with residents anxious about potential unrest following the landmark verdict.
