Bangladesh Tribunal Sentences Former PM Sheikh Hasina to Death

Dhaka, Bangladesh – November 17, 2025: Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal for her complicity in crimes against humanity during last year’s student protests that led to her government’s downfall. The court also indicted Hasina's aides, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, for their roles in the events.

The tribunal found Hasina guilty of three serious charges: incitement, ordering killings, and neglecting to prevent brutal acts against students across Bangladesh. This ruling concludes an extensive trial that scrutinized her government’s violent crackdown on protests in July and August 2024, during which several fatalities were reported as authorities employed deadly force, aircraft, and firearms against demonstrators.

Charges and Tribunal Findings

At the age of 78, Hasina was accused of orchestrating the elimination of protesting students. The court noted that she labeled demonstrators as "Razakars," a term used derogatorily in the country. Evidence presented indicated her directives to law enforcement to utilize drones, army helicopters, and deadly arms against protesters.

While Kamal and Mamun were implicated in these actions, Mamun received clemency for his cooperation, whereas Hasina and Kamal were tried in absentia as fugitives.

According to the tribunal’s findings, approximately 1,400 individuals perished during the "July Uprising," as reflected in a United Nations human rights report. Eyewitness accounts detailed organized attacks by factions allied with the Awami League, targeting students throughout the nation.

Exile and Extradition

As civil unrest escalated, Hasina fled to India on August 4, 2024, and remains in exile. Kamal is also believed to have sought refuge there. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has formally sought her extradition, though India has yet to respond.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam termed Hasina the "mastermind of the atrocities," while her supporters assert the charges are driven by political motives.

Nationwide Tension and Security Measures

In anticipation of the tribunal’s decision, security measures intensified throughout Bangladesh. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police issued shoot-on-sight orders for those suspected of engaging in arson or threatening public safety. The capital’s streets saw limited activity, with army personnel, Border Guard troops, and riot police stationed around the ICT-BD complex.

The disbanded Awami League has called for a two-day nationwide strike in response, fueling concerns over possible widespread disturbances.

Impact and Global Attention

This historic ruling represents a pivotal moment for Bangladesh’s political landscape, as a former head of government has been condemned to death for alleged crimes against humanity. The verdict is anticipated to trigger significant political and social consequences, including potential protests, international discourse, and increased examination of Bangladesh’s justice and political mechanisms.

The sentence imposed on Sheikh Hasina reflects the severe nature of the protests that rocked Bangladesh in 2024 and the tribunal’s determination to hold influential figures accountable for misappropriations of power. With Hasina in exile and tensions palpable, the country gears up for possible repercussions due to this groundbreaking ruling.