Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death by a Bangladesh court following a months-long trial. She was accused of ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising last year. The verdict has intensified political tensions nationwide. This is occurring as the country prepares for parliamentary elections scheduled for early February.
Hasina’s party, the Awami League, has been barred from participating in the upcoming polls. This is raising concerns that Monday’s ruling could spark widespread unrest.
The International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka delivered the judgment under heavy security and in Hasina’s absence. She fled to India in August 2024. The court’s decision can be appealed in the Supreme Court. However, her son and adviser, Sajeeb Wazed, told Reuters they would only pursue an appeal once a democratically elected government takes office with Awami League’s inclusion.
Deadly Crackdown and Worst Violence Since 1971
Prosecutors argued that they had obtained evidence proving Hasina directly ordered security forces to use lethal force against student protesters in July–August 2024.
A UN report estimates that up to 1,400 people were killed and thousands injured—mostly by gunfire—during the demonstrations. This marked the worst violence in Bangladesh since the 1971 Liberation War.
Hasina was defended by a state-appointed counsel. The counsel claimed the charges were politically motivated and urged the court to acquit her. Ahead of the verdict, Hasina rejected the allegations. She called the Tribunal proceedings biased, saying the outcome was “a foregone conclusion.”
Rising Tensions Across Bangladesh
The country has been on edge in the days leading up to the ruling. There have been at least 30 crude bomb blasts and 26 vehicles set on fire nationwide. Despite the violence, no casualties have been reported so far.