🔗 Share this article

The ex-prime minister of Bangladesh has been given a death sentence for crimes against humanity stemming from her crackdown on protests led by students which led to her removal from power.

Hasina was declared culpable of authorizing deadly measures to be used against demonstrators, with approximately 1,400 individuals were killed during the turmoil last year.

The trial proceeded while she was absent by the International Crimes Court in Bangladesh, as she resides in exile in India since she was forced from power in July 2024.

Prosecutors accused her of being the mastermind of numerous deaths during the protests. She has refuted the entire case, labeling the proceedings as "unfair and agenda-driven".

The verdict marks a pivotal moment for Bangladesh, as the protests unleashed anger over extended periods of oppression. Families of those killed and injured had requested severe punishments.

Answering the judgment in a comprehensive declaration, she expressed the execution sentence was the caretaker administration's way of "eradicating the Awami League" as a political force and that she was satisfied of her government's record on individual freedoms.

"I have no trepidation to confront those accusing me in a proper tribunal where the proof can be evaluated and examined justly."

The capital, Dhaka, where the tribunal took place, was under increased safeguards ahead of the decision on Monday, with numerous opponents of Hasina holding a protest and cheering as the verdict was read.

The city has seen a sudden increase in turmoil, with dozens of bombs exploded and coaches ignited in the period preceding the verdict.

One explosive incident was reported in Dhaka on Monday morning, with no casualties reported, local police official the police spokesperson stated to media outlets.

The youth-driven revolt in the previous year started with calls to eliminate state employment quotas but evolved into a broader opposition campaign.

International human rights monitors declared in an analysis in February that the approximately 1,400 deaths could constitute "human rights atrocities".

The report documented the firing at close quarters of certain demonstrators, the purposeful disabling of further participants, unwarranted detentions and abuse.

Disclosed sound files of one of Hasina's phone calls verified by media examinations during the current year indicated she had approved the use of "fatal instruments" in July 2024. The recording was presented in court during the trial.

Prior to the ruling, family members of those killed during the protests informed press outlets they wanted the former leader to face strict penalties.

One relative, whose family member was fatally wounded in July 2024, said he wanted "strict sentence" for Hasina and others who have "engaged in retaliatory actions and exploited their positions".

Lucky Akther, whose spouse died near Dhaka in August 2024, said she wanted Hasina's sentence to be "executed before the election".

"Solely at that point the families of those killed [in the protests] will achieve closure in their minds."

After her departure, an caretaker administration under the guidance of economic expert Muhammad Yunus has taken charge. A general election is set for February 2026.

Nonetheless, the Hasina's political party, her political faction, was banned by Bangladesh's interim government in May.

Hasina warned during the past month that if the the League's representatives were barred from participating in the upcoming election, millions would boycott the election.

The judgment creates a international dilemma for the neighboring countries. Dhaka has formally requested her extradition but so far India has demonstrated no inclination to agree.

Her officially designated attorney the defense lawyer said he was "sad [and wishes] the outcome had varied".

"I cannot even contest because my clients are absent; which is why I am disheartened," he added.

Last week, the defense attorneys said they had lodged a prompt application to the UN raising significant due process and due process issues at the ICT.

Legal proceedings involved Hasina in conjunction with her former home minister and police chief.

Even though the verdict provides certain resolution to relatives of the deceased in the protests, it may not significantly ease the country's political divisions.

"The resentment towards Hasina and the the former ruling faction has not subsided," a human rights advocate from the capital told media outlets. "Neither she nor the party has said sorry or shown any remorse for the deaths of numerous individuals."

The advocate declared "This creates challenges for the party to be accepted by a majority of people in this nation."

The campaigner further stated that the punishment was not finality for the families of those who died and were wounded.

"We support several people who suffered permanent amputations, they are currently without limbs, due to the crackdown. They cannot pardon her."

David Bergman, an observer of Bangladeshi affairs, said the "fundamental aspect of the condemnation could make it particularly hard" for Awami League to become a standard element of the country's governance system again.

This could alter if "a form of contrition emerges and a disassociation with Hasina and the previous administration," he stated.