Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for alleged crimes against humanity. The ruling followed a months-long trial that linked her to a deadly crackdown on a student uprising in 2024, which triggered the fall of her Awami League government.
The tribunal, led by Justice Mohd Golam Mortuza Majumder, also convicted former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun received a pardon after admitting his role and seeking forgiveness.
Judges said Hasina ignored students’ demands and inflamed tensions by calling them “Razakars.” They ruled that she ordered attacks on protesters and directed the use of drones, helicopters and lethal weapons. Witnesses confirmed that Awami League groups carried out assaults on Dhaka University students.
The court found Hasina guilty of incitement, ordering killings and failing to stop atrocities. Her decision to flee Bangladesh before trial strengthened the court’s view of her guilt. She now lives in exile in India.
Authorities raised security across the country ahead of the verdict. Dhaka police issued shoot-at-sight orders for arson or violence. Troops and riot police patrolled key areas as the disbanded Awami League announced a shutdown, leaving the capital tense and largely empty.
