Sheikh Hasina sentenced to death by Bangladesh war crimes tribunal for rights violations
Dhaka: In a historic and unprecedented judgment, the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh (ICT-BD) on Sunday declared former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced her to death.
The three-member tribunal ruled that Hasina personally ordered the violent suppression of last year’s nationwide student-led protests, resulting in mass casualties and severe human rights abuses.
Delivering its verdict, the tribunal stated that the evidence overwhelmingly proved Hasina’s role in directing security forces to crack down on anti-government demonstrations that erupted across Bangladesh in July 2024. The court noted that hundreds of citizens, mostly students, were killed in the violence triggered by what it termed “a deliberate and lethal state response.”
According to the judgment, Hasina issued explicit directives to senior officials—including then Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun—to “neutralize” the protests. Both men have also been declared guilty alongside Hasina.
Court: “Crimes committed with full knowledge and intent”
The tribunal observed that the excessive force unleashed by police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) units could not have occurred without Hasina’s approval. “These killings took place under the orders and knowledge of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Such actions amount to crimes against humanity and warrant the maximum punishment,” the judges said in their ruling.
The court’s decision relied heavily on months of testimony from security personnel, investigative reports, digital communication records, and eyewitness accounts. Investigators concluded that the state machinery was weaponized against protesters who were largely unarmed, demanding reforms and opposing government policies.
The tribunal highlighted that the death toll soared due to indiscriminate firing, custodial torture, and disappearances carried out during the crackdown. “These were not spontaneous acts of violence,” the judgment stressed. “They were systematic, coordinated, and approved at the highest level of government.”
Hasina had said: ‘Allah gave life, He will take it’
Hours before the verdict, Hasina—who has lived outside Bangladesh since her ouster—released a video message saying she had “no fear” of the court’s decision. “Allah gave me life. Only He can take it away,” she said, reiterating that she acted in the nation’s interest and dismissing the trial as politically charged.
Awami League slams verdict as conspiracy
The opposition Awami League reacted sharply, calling the judgment a “pre-planned political conspiracy” aimed at silencing Hasina and dismantling the party. The party maintains that the trials were held in absentia because both Hasina and Khan did not appear before the tribunal. The tribunal examined 54 witnesses and concluded the hearings on October 23.
Awami League leaders alleged that the ICT “acted under pressure” and insisted that the charges were fabricated. “This verdict is nothing but political vendetta,” party spokespersons said, accusing the interim government of persecuting Hasina.
Heightened security across Bangladesh
Following the announcement of the verdict, heavy police deployment was seen around the tribunal and key government installations in Dhaka. Authorities anticipate unrest from supporters of the former prime minister, who ruled Bangladesh for more than 15 years before being forced out amid widespread protests.
Background: The July 2024 student uprising
The 2024 protests erupted over allegations of corruption, unemployment, and authoritarian governance. Students spearheaded the agitation, which soon spread nationwide. Investigations revealed that security forces used live ammunition, tear gas, and beatings to contain crowds, leading to the deaths of several hundred people.
The tribunal noted that the government attempted to portray protesters as violent infiltrators—an assertion the court dismissed after examining extensive evidence.
Final judgment and implications
Legal experts say this is one of the most consequential verdicts in Bangladesh’s political history. If carried out, Hasina would become the first former head of government in the country to be executed for human rights violations.
The tribunal’s decision is likely to escalate political tensions further, deepen divisions, and raise questions about the future direction of Bangladeshi politics.
