Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has handed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina a death sentence after finding her guilty on three counts of crimes against humanity linked to last year’s student-led uprising that toppled her Awami League government. The verdict, delivered by a three-member panel headed by Justice Mohd Golam Mortuza Majumder, marks a dramatic culmination of a turbulent political chapter and months of highly charged proceedings.

The tribunal also convicted former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun on similar charges, alleging that the three acted jointly to unleash a nationwide crackdown on demonstrators. While Hasina and Kamal were tried in absentia after being declared fugitives, Mamun, who initially appeared in court, later turned approver and was granted a full pardon for his cooperation and admission of involvement.

The court held that Hasina dismissed the student movement, aggravating tensions by calling protesters “Razakars,” a deeply loaded term in Bangladesh. It found that she subsequently ordered the “elimination” of dissenting students, including directing the use of drones, helicopters and lethal weapons to target large gatherings. Witness testimonies described attacks carried out by Awami League affiliates such as the Chhatra League and Yuva League, particularly on Dhaka University students.

Hasina, 78, who fled to India in August 2024 amid escalating unrest, was convicted of incitement, ordering killings and failing to prevent atrocities. The judges ruled that her absconding reinforced the prosecution’s case. A UN rights report has estimated that up to 1,400 people were killed during the July 2024 uprising, further intensifying scrutiny of her administration.

Bangladesh remains on edge following the verdict. Security forces, including the army and Border Guard Bangladesh, have been deployed across Dhaka, where streets appeared deserted. Police have issued shoot-at-sight orders against arsonists and violent agitators. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus continues to seek Hasina’s extradition from India, though no official response has yet been issued.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has handed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina a death sentence after finding her guilty on three counts of crimes against humanity linked to last year’s student-led uprising that toppled her Awami League government. The verdict, delivered by a three-member panel headed by Justice Mohd Golam Mortuza Majumder, marks a dramatic culmination of a turbulent political chapter and months of highly charged proceedings.

The tribunal also convicted former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun on similar charges, alleging that the three acted jointly to unleash a nationwide crackdown on demonstrators. While Hasina and Kamal were tried in absentia after being declared fugitives, Mamun, who initially appeared in court, later turned approver and was granted a full pardon for his cooperation and admission of involvement.

The court held that Hasina dismissed the student movement, aggravating tensions by calling protesters “Razakars,” a deeply loaded term in Bangladesh. It found that she subsequently ordered the “elimination” of dissenting students, including directing the use of drones, helicopters and lethal weapons to target large gatherings. Witness testimonies described attacks carried out by Awami League affiliates such as the Chhatra League and Yuva League, particularly on Dhaka University students.

Hasina, 78, who fled to India in August 2024 amid escalating unrest, was convicted of incitement, ordering killings and failing to prevent atrocities. The judges ruled that her absconding reinforced the prosecution’s case. A UN rights report has estimated that up to 1,400 people were killed during the July 2024 uprising, further intensifying scrutiny of her administration.

Bangladesh remains on edge following the verdict. Security forces, including the army and Border Guard Bangladesh, have been deployed across Dhaka, where streets appeared deserted. Police have issued shoot-at-sight orders against arsonists and violent agitators. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus continues to seek Hasina’s extradition from India, though no official response has yet been issued.