Post by : Rameen Ariff

Dhaka, Bangladesh – November 17, 2025: Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal has issued a death sentence to ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her involvement in crimes against humanity linked to the student-led protests that led to her Awami League government being ousted last year. Alongside her, two former aides, ex-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, have also been implicated in the tribunal's findings.

The accusations against Hasina include three grave charges: incitement, orchestrating killings, and negligence in stopping atrocities against student demonstrators in Dhaka and other regions. This verdict wraps up a protracted trial that scrutinized her government’s brutal response to protests that erupted in July and August 2024, during which security forces reportedly used lethal tactics involving drones, helicopters, and firearms.

Allegations and Tribunal Conclusions

At 78, Hasina faced serious allegations of commanding the "extermination" of students engaged in the protests and making incendiary remarks labeling protestors as "Razakars," a term loaded with negative connotation in the country. The tribunal asserted that she ordered law enforcement to utilize drones and other lethal means to target and eliminate demonstrators.

While Kamal and Mamun were found guilty as accomplices, Mamun secured a pardon due to his cooperation and testimony, whereas Hasina and Kamal were tried in absentia as fugitives.

The tribunal's findings also highlighted that between July 15 and August 15, 2024, up to 1,400 individuals lost their lives during what has been termed the "July Uprising." This figure was referenced in a UN human rights report, detailing organized assaults on students by factions within the Awami League, such as the Chhatra League and Yuva League.

Exile and Potential Extradition

As the crisis escalated, Hasina fled to India on August 4, 2024, and remains in exile. Kamal is suspected to have sought refuge there as well. The interim administration under Muhammad Yunus has requested her extradition, though India has not yet taken action.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam labeled Hasina the "mastermind and principal architect" of the atrocities, while her supporters argue that the charges are part of a politically motivated campaign.

Rising Tensions and Security Response

In anticipation of the verdict, Bangladesh saw increased security protocols in major urban areas. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police issued orders to shoot on sight for anyone engaged in arson, explosions, or threats to civilians and law enforcement. The streets of Dhaka remained largely empty, with army troops, Border Guard personnel, and riot police stationed near the ICT-BD complex.

The now-defunct Awami League called for a two-day strike in response, raising concerns over impending unrest post-verdict.

Significance and Global Impact

This unprecedented judgment marks a pivotal moment in the political landscape of Bangladesh, as a former prime minister has been condemned to death over alleged human rights violations. The ruling may have lasting implications, likely triggering protests, international dialogue, and increased scrutiny of Bangladesh’s judicial and political frameworks.

The death penalty against Sheikh Hasina emphasizes the fervor of the student-led protests that gripped Bangladesh in 2024 and the tribunal’s commitment to holding leaders responsible for purported power abuses. With Hasina in exile and unrest looming, the nation braces for the potential ramifications of this landmark ruling.

#Global