Bangladesh Tribunal Sentences Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina to Death in Landmark Crimes Against Humanity Verdict

On Monday, the special tribunal in Dhaka issued a landmark ruling against Bangladesh's ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, sentencing her to death after convicting her of crimes against humanity and mass murder during the last months of her rule in 2024. This startling verdict follows months of sensational testimonies, unrest and protests, and anger from Hasina's supporters, as well as condemnation from observers.

History of the Trial

Sheikh Hasina fled to India after being removed from her position by a student-led uprising in August 2024. She was tried in absentia alongside several high-ranking officials, including the former interior minister and police chief. The prosecutorial presentation asserts that Hasina directed the police and armed forces to launch a violent crackdown on dissent, which the United Nations estimated led to more than 1,400 deaths and thousands injured while security forces repressed protests demanding Hasina's resignation.

What Were the Charges and What Happened in the Tribunal

Five charges against Hasina included incitement to violence, murder, and refusing to prevent abuses, and each qualified as crimes against humanity under the Bangladeshi criminal code. Evidence presented to the International Crimes Tribunal consisted of surveillance footage, drone logs, hospital logs, and the testimony of senior witnesses demonstrating direct involvement by Hasina in giving orders to inhibit injured protesters' medical treatment. This court ruling is the first time a leader from Bangladesh has been found guilty by a court she established herself as a prime minister. 

Political Turmoil and Security Situation

The verdict has created another round of political turmoil in Bangladesh, as Hasina’s Awami League labelled the trial as a “kangaroo court” and called for nationwide shutdowns. Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, has experienced explosions, arson attacks, and the inside of the country’s paramilitary forces. During this same time, fears of political stability ahead of anticipated elections in February 2026 have mounted. Hasina, who has survived 19 assassination attempts since taking office in 1981, remains defiant, reportedly telling her followers, “Allah gave life, He will take me. I do not care what verdict the court will give”.

The international community remains split on the legitimacy of the process, while the interim government in Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, has doubled down on security and committed to elections without any participation from Hasina’s party next year. The verdict also represents the imminent end to Hasina's fifteen-year rule, with various parties presenting proposals for reform thus raising tensions among the political parties and indicating an uncertain future.