A Bangladesh war crimes court has sentenced ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising last year. The verdict, delivered on Monday, concludes a months-long trial that found her guilty of crimes against humanity. Hasina, who fled to India in August 2024, was not present in court.
The International Crimes Tribunal found Hasina responsible for the deaths of numerous people during the protests, which resulted in over 1,400 deaths and thousands of injuries. The court also sentenced her to life imprisonment for crimes against humanity. The verdict can be appealed in the Supreme Court.
The ruling comes ahead of parliamentary elections expected in early February, which Hasina’s Awami League party has been barred from contesting. The verdict has sparked fears of fresh unrest. Hasina’s son has stated that they will not appeal unless a democratically elected government takes office with the Awami League’s participation. The country remains tense, with bomb explosions and torched vehicles reported in recent days.