Sheikh Hasina: Why Has Bangladesh's Ex-PM Been Sentenced To Death?

Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death in absentia by a special tribunal in Dhaka. The court held her responsible for the violent crackdown on student protesters during the 2024 uprising, a period that saw large-scale unrest and estimates of hundreds to over a thousand deaths.

The verdict has drawn sharp political reactions, with her supporters calling it a “targeted trial” while critics say it reflects long-awaited accountability. The ruling is expected to intensify tensions in Bangladesh, where debates over justice, power, and democracy continue to domin

Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death in absentia by a special tribunal in Dhaka. The court held her responsible for the violent crackdown on student protesters during the 2024 uprising, a period that saw large-scale unrest and estimates of hundreds to over a thousand deaths.

The verdict has drawn sharp political reactions, with her supporters calling it a “targeted trial” while critics say it reflects long-awaited accountability. The ruling is expected to intensify tensions in Bangladesh, where debates over justice, power, and democracy continue to dominate public life.

What The Tribunal Said

The International Crimes Tribunal stated that Hasina approved operations that used live ammunition, drones, helicopters and heavy force against largely unarmed demonstrators.

According to the judges, she had both the authority and responsibility to prevent the killings, but instead allowed the violence to continue. Some reports note she was convicted on multiple counts, with three charges carrying the death penalty and others leading to long prison terms. 

Her former Home Minister, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, was also sentenced to death on similar charges. Former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who cooperated with the investigation, received a prison sentence.

Reports from the 2024 uprising show that close to 1,400 people may have been killed in clashes between security forces and protesters, making it one of the deadliest episodes in Bangladesh’s recent political history. The tribunal also ordered compensation for the families of those killed or injured during the unrest.

The court pointed out that the government’s response in several hotspots, including areas in Dhaka and Savar, showed “excessive and unlawful use of force.”

It held Hasina accountable for “incitement” as well as for failing to take action to stop or punish the violence carried out by security forces under her administration.

Hasina’s Response And What Happens Next

Hasina, who has been living in India since her government collapsed in August 2024, strongly rejected the verdict. Speaking from New Delhi, she described the trial as “biased” and “politically motivated,” arguing that she was not given a fair opportunity to defend herself.

She maintained that the situation in 2024 had spiralled out of control and that the government was trying to restore stability, not target civilians.

The interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus welcomed the judgment, calling it a step toward accountability. Security was tightened across Dhaka following the announcement to prevent any unrest.

Hasina’s legal team still has the option to appeal the verdict in Bangladesh’s Supreme Court, meaning the legal and political battle is far from over.

Many expect the case to stay in the spotlight for months, as supporters and critics argue over what the ruling really means for the country. For now, the verdict has only added to the uncertainty hanging over Bangladesh’s political future.