Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has been convicted of crimes against humanity related to her government’s brutal crackdown on student protests. The verdict, delivered by a panel of three judges from the International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka on Monday, marks a significant moment in Bangladesh’s political landscape. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, with the court expected to announce her sentence shortly.
The charges stem from a violent campaign against protesters following widespread demonstrations in August 2024 that ultimately led to Hasina’s ousting and subsequent self-imposed exile. The court heard that approximately 1,400 protesters were killed and up to 25,000 injured during the unrest. Hasina faced five key charges, which include inciting the murder of protesters and ordering law enforcement to use lethal force, including drones and helicopters.
Notably absent from the proceedings, Hasina remains in exile, having fled to India after losing power. Her legal team has criticized the trial process, claiming it lacks fair trial rights and due process. They have submitted an appeal to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary executions, citing serious concerns surrounding the trial’s integrity.
The ruling comes at a tense time as Bangladesh prepares for national elections expected in February 2025. Analysts fear that the verdict could ignite political turmoil in a country already characterized by deep divisions. Hasina’s administration, which lasted from 2009 until her removal in 2024, was marked by accusations of authoritarianism, including crackdowns on dissent and media.
As the situation unfolds, the implications of this verdict for both Hasina and the broader political climate in Bangladesh remain uncertain. This story will continue to develop as additional information emerges regarding the sentencing and potential repercussions on the upcoming elections.
