Dhaka, November 18, 2025 – In a historic and highly charged verdict, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on November 17 sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for her role in the violent suppression of the 2024 student-led protests. The 78-year-old, who has been living in exile in India since fleeing on August 5, 2024, was tried and convicted in absentia alongside her former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who received the same sentence.
The tribunal found Hasina guilty on multiple counts of crimes against humanity, including incitement to murder, directly ordering killings, and failing to prevent widespread atrocities by security forces. A former police chief, who cooperated as a state witness, was sentenced to five years in prison. The 453-page judgment described the events as a “systematic attack” on civilians, with evidence including leaked audio allegedly showing Hasina authorizing lethal force.
Victims’ families in the courtroom burst into applause and tears as the sentence was read, viewing it as justice for the bloodshed that ended Hasina’s 15-year rule. Outside, celebrations erupted amid heavy security, though the interim government urged calm to prevent unrest.
- Verdict confirmed: Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal sentenced to death; former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun gets 5 years after pleading guilty and testifying.
- Death toll from 2024 protests: UN estimates up to 1,400 killed, thousands injured, mostly by security forces’ gunfire – the deadliest violence since 1971 independence war.
- Trial details: Conducted by the ICT (established by Hasina in 2010 for 1971 war crimes); charges framed in June 2025, witnesses included survivors and cooperating officials.
- Hasina’s response: Dismissed as a “rigged tribunal” by an “unelected government”; claims she acted in “good faith” to restore order.
- Extradition demands: Bangladesh renewed calls for India to hand over Hasina and Kamal under bilateral treaty; India “noted” the verdict without committing.
- International concerns: UN and rights groups hail accountability for victims but criticize death penalty and question in absentia trial’s fairness under international standards.
- Political context: Verdict comes ahead of February 2026 elections; Hasina’s Awami League banned from participating, deepening divisions.
The 2024 Uprising: From Quota Reform to Revolution
The protests began innocently enough in July 2024 as student demands to reform a discriminatory job quota system favoring descendants of 1971 freedom fighters. But they rapidly snowballed into a broader anti-government movement, fueled by accusations of corruption, economic mismanagement, and authoritarian rule under Hasina’s Awami League.
What turned deadly was the government’s response: security forces, including police and army units, allegedly used live ammunition, helicopters for surveillance and firing, and even drones against unarmed demonstrators. Key incidents cited in the trial included mass shootings in areas like Jatrabari and Chankharpul.
Leaked communications presented as evidence reportedly captured Hasina personally directing the crackdown, rejecting pleas for restraint. By early August, the death toll mounted, hospitals overflowed, and internet blackouts failed to stem the outrage. On August 5, protesters stormed Hasina’s official residence, forcing her dramatic helicopter escape to India.
The uprising not only toppled one of Asia’s longest-serving leaders but also ushered in an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, tasked with reforms and fresh elections.
Inside the Tribunal: Charges, Evidence, and Judgment
The ICT, originally created by Hasina to prosecute 1971 Liberation War atrocities (often criticized for targeting opposition figures), turned the tables on its founder. Charges were formally filed in June 2025, with Hasina as the primary accused bearing “command responsibility.”
Prosecutors built their case on:
- Eyewitness testimonies from survivors.
- Forensic evidence and videos of security forces firing on crowds.
- Audio leaks allegedly of Hasina ordering “shoot to kill.”
- Admissions from former police chief Al-Mamun, who detailed chain-of-command directives.
The three-judge panel, led by Golam Mortuza Mozumder, convicted Hasina on five counts but imposed a single death sentence (by hanging, as per Bangladeshi law). Key quote from the judgment: “Sheikh Hasina committed crimes against humanity by her incitement, order, and failure to take punitive measures.”
| Accused Person | Key Role During Protests | Guilty Counts | Sentence | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheikh Hasina | Prime Minister (command responsibility) | Incitement, ordering killings, inaction | Death | In exile in India; in absentia trial |
| Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal | Home Minister | Similar crimes against humanity | Death | Believed in India; in absentia |
| Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun | Inspector General of Police | Crimes against humanity | 5 years imprisonment | In custody; state witness, pleaded guilty |
Hasina was represented by a state-appointed lawyer but boycotted proceedings, calling them illegitimate.
Global and Domestic Reactions: Celebration, Condemnation, and Caution
Victims and Protesters: Jubilation dominated Dhaka streets, with families of the slain hailing the verdict as closure. Student leaders called it “victory for the blood of martyrs.”
Interim Government: Muhammad Yunus described it as “historic,” affirming “no one is above the law,” while warning against vengeance or violence.
Sheikh Hasina: In an emailed statement, she accused the tribunal of being “biased and politically motivated,” aimed at erasing her Awami League. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, warned of potential unrest if the party ban isn’t lifted.
India: A terse response “noted” the verdict, reaffirming commitment to Bangladesh’s stability – no mention of extradition, signaling protection for its longtime ally.
United Nations: Called it an “important moment for victims” but opposed the death penalty and raised due process concerns over the absentia trial.
Human Rights Groups: Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch acknowledged the atrocities’ gravity but criticized capital punishment and questioned the ICT’s independence under the current regime.
Social media exploded with polarized views: supporters of the verdict trending #JusticeServed, while Awami League loyalists decried it as “victor’s justice.”
Implications for Bangladesh’s Future
With Hasina safe in India (where extradition seems unlikely due to no death penalty treaty clause and geopolitical ties), the sentence is symbolic yet seismic. She has 30 days to appeal – but only if she surrenders.
Elections loom in early 2026, but with the Awami League sidelined and minority communities facing attacks, fears of further instability persist. The verdict heals wounds for many young Bangladeshis who led the uprising but risks entrenching divisions in a nation still grappling with economic fallout and political polarization.
This ruling underscores a turbulent transition: from Hasina’s iron-fisted development era to an uncertain quest for genuine democracy and accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What exactly was Sheikh Hasina sentenced for?
She was convicted of crimes against humanity, specifically incitement to murder, directly ordering killings, and failing to prevent atrocities committed by security forces during the July–August 2024 student-led protests.
Was the trial held in her presence?
No. Sheikh Hasina has been living in exile in India since August 5, 2024. The trial was conducted in absentia by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).
Who else received the death penalty in the same case?
Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal was also sentenced to death in absentia. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun received only 5 years after pleading guilty and testifying as a state witness.
How many people died in the 2024 protests?
According to United Nations estimates, up to 1,400 people were killed and thousands injured, mostly by police and army gunfire — the deadliest episode of political violence in Bangladesh since 1971.
Will Sheikh Hasina actually be executed?
Highly unlikely in the near future. She is under India’s protection, and India does not extradite individuals who face the death penalty. Bangladesh and India do not have an extradition treaty clause that would allow her handover in capital cases.
Can she appeal the verdict?
Yes, but only if she surrenders to Bangladeshi authorities or is arrested and brought back. She has 30 days from the verdict date (until December 17, 2025) to file an appeal, provided she is in custody.
Who is currently running Bangladesh?
An interim government led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus has been in power since August 2024. National elections are scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026.
Is the International Crimes Tribunal considered fair and independent?
Opinions are divided. The tribunal was created by Hasina herself in 2010 and has been criticized by the UN, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch for political bias in past cases. Many now call this verdict “victor’s justice,” while victims’ families see it as long-overdue accountability.
What was the key evidence against Hasina?
Prosecutors presented eyewitness testimonies, video footage, forensic reports, and leaked audio recordings in which Hasina allegedly ordered security forces to use lethal force and “shoot on sight” in certain situations.
What happens to the Awami League party now?
The party is currently banned from participating in upcoming elections, thousands of its leaders and workers are in jail or hiding, and many supporters have gone into exile. The verdict has effectively crippled the once-dominant political force.
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