Historic Verdict: Sheikh Hasina Sentenced To Death Amid Violent Protests

Dhaka, Bangladesh: In a landmark decision with far-reaching consequences, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death on Monday for crimes against humanity, following last year’s deadly student-led uprising. The ruling has ignited nationwide protests, triggered a sweeping security crackdown, and escalated diplomatic tensions with India.

Authorities say Hasina, who was not present in court, was found guilty of personally ordering the use of deadly force, including military helicopters and drones, during the fierce student protests in July and August 2024. The tribunal linked these orders to the deaths of an estimated 1,400 people in the crackdown.

Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal was also sentenced to death for his role. At the same time, former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, who had cooperated as a state witness, received a five-year prison term.

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In response, security forces across Bangladesh were placed on high alert, with the Dhaka police authorising “shoot-to-kill” for acts of arson, bombings, or violence. Mass demonstrations erupted in Dhaka and other major cities; police resorted to tear gas and batons, particularly near the home of Hasina’s father and national founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, to repel attempts by crowds to breach security.

The Bangladeshi government is pressing India to extradite Hasina, who has denied all charges and condemned the verdict as politically motivated. India, citing the need for stability in Bangladesh and regional interests, has declined to act on Dhaka’s request so far.

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This marks the first time a Bangladeshi leader has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity, as Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus’s interim government has banned Hasina’s Awami League and scheduled early elections for February 2026. Rights groups have warned that the political environment, use of capital punishment, and Hasina’s absence cast doubt on the fairness of the process.

(This article is published as part of the Timeline Internship Programme. The author is a postgraduate diploma student in Convergence Journalism in MediaOne Academy in Kozhikode, Kerala.)