Ex-PM Hasina Gets Death Penalty for Crimes Against Humanity

Published: 17 November 2025 Monday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity, citing her government’s violent crackdown on student-led protests last year. The 78-year-old fugitive politician was tried in absentia and found guilty of orchestrating what the tribunal described as “systematic and deliberate attacks” on civilians during the 2024 uprising, which left approximately 1,400 people dead.

The tribunal concluded that Hasina acted as the “mastermind and principal architect” of the state’s suppression of mass demonstrations, which shook Bangladesh to its core and ultimately ended her 15-year tenure as prime minister. Hasina, who has been living in exile in India since her fall from power, has not been seen in public or online since losing authority, and authorities in Dhaka have stated that they intend to pursue her extradition in order to enforce the sentence.

The 2024 uprising began in early March of that year when students across Bangladesh took to the streets demanding reforms to the education system, economic relief, and accountability for widespread corruption. The protests, initially peaceful, quickly escalated into nationwide demonstrations that drew tens of thousands of participants in Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, and other major cities. The government responded with a militarized crackdown, deploying police and paramilitary forces, which included reports of mass arrests, extrajudicial killings, and indiscriminate use of live ammunition against protestors.

According to tribunal documents, state forces under Hasina’s direction intentionally targeted not only protestors but also bystanders, journalists, and opposition figures, resulting in what human rights observers described as “a campaign of terror designed to maintain authoritarian control.” Eyewitness testimony included accounts of students being shot in university dormitories, journalists detained without charge, and protestors forcibly disappeared. The tribunal found sufficient evidence to hold Hasina personally responsible for these acts, citing government communications and internal records that implicated her in the planning and execution of the crackdown.

Hasina’s rule, lasting from 2009 to 2024, had long been criticized by domestic and international observers for authoritarian tendencies. During her tenure, her government faced repeated accusations of suppressing dissent, curbing press freedoms, and using the judiciary to target political opponents. Allegations of extrajudicial killings, unlawful detentions, and intimidation of opposition politicians were widespread. The 2024 student protests, which focused on economic grievances and corruption, represented the culmination of growing frustration with Hasina’s administration, particularly among younger generations who felt excluded from political and economic power.

In response to the tribunal’s verdict, Hasina’s now-banned Awami League party denounced the proceedings as a “kangaroo court,” claiming the trial was politically motivated and lacked impartiality. Party officials urged supporters to protest the ruling, sparking immediate concerns over civil unrest and potential violence across the country. Local authorities have increased security in Dhaka and other major urban centers, warning that demonstrations could escalate and urging residents to avoid protest zones.

The verdict has also elicited varied reactions internationally. Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have called for due process safeguards, emphasizing that executions in absentia remain deeply controversial and may violate international legal norms. Meanwhile, regional powers and neighboring countries have expressed concern about the stability of Bangladesh, a country with a population exceeding 170 million and a history of political volatility. Analysts note that the sentencing of a former head of state is likely to deepen divisions within the country, potentially destabilizing the political landscape and affecting relations with India and other South Asian nations.

Experts have highlighted the broader implications of the ruling. “This is an unprecedented development in Bangladesh,” said Dr. Farhana Ahmed, a political analyst at Dhaka University. “No former prime minister in the country’s history has been sentenced to death for actions taken while in office. It raises questions about political accountability, the use of judicial power, and the prospects for reconciliation.” Ahmed noted that the tribunal’s decision could embolden opposition forces while polarizing public opinion, with some viewing the ruling as a long-overdue act of justice and others perceiving it as a continuation of politically motivated vendettas.

The events leading to Hasina’s exile were dramatic. In late 2024, amid mounting public pressure and nationwide strikes, Hasina attempted to consolidate power by expanding emergency powers, a move that only intensified public anger. Her refusal to negotiate with student leaders and opposition groups led to mass resignations among cabinet members and defections within the Awami League, ultimately forcing her to flee Bangladesh under the protection of diplomatic channels facilitated by India.

Since her departure, Hasina has remained largely silent, with occasional statements issued through party intermediaries. Observers note that her absence has allowed Bangladesh’s new interim government to begin implementing reforms, including efforts to investigate corruption, restore press freedoms, and reform law enforcement practices. However, the deep-rooted divisions within Bangladeshi society and politics remain apparent, with Awami League loyalists continuing to hold influence in certain regions and factions resisting the transitional government’s policies.

The death sentence issued by the International Crimes Tribunal has already sparked widespread debate in Bangladeshi media and among international commentators. Legal experts emphasize that enforcing the sentence may prove difficult given Hasina’s exile in India, a country that has historically provided diplomatic protection to her and other political figures. International law also complicates the matter, as the execution of a former head of state in absentia could set a controversial precedent.

Meanwhile, civil society groups within Bangladesh are calling for a careful balance between accountability and national stability. “Justice must be served, but the country cannot afford further bloodshed,” said Kamal Hossain, director of a Dhaka-based human rights NGO. “The focus now should be on ensuring that institutions are strengthened, that political dialogue is prioritized, and that the country avoids a descent into renewed violence.”

The tribunal has signaled that proceedings will continue against other senior figures implicated in the crackdown, including military officials and law enforcement leaders. The court has also invited international observers to monitor future hearings, in an effort to enhance transparency and credibility. Analysts expect that the coming months will be crucial in determining whether Bangladesh can navigate this period of political transition without further destabilization.

As Bangladesh faces the dual challenges of enforcing justice for the 2024 protests and maintaining national cohesion, the fate of Sheikh Hasina remains a central concern. Her sentencing represents not only a historical legal development but also a test of the country’s ability to uphold the rule of law while avoiding political upheaval. The eyes of the international community remain firmly focused on Dhaka, with implications for regional stability, human rights standards, and the broader trajectory of South Asian governance.