Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka, found guilty of crimes against humanity.

 What Were the Charges?

The tribunal ruled that during a student-led uprising in July–August 2024, Hasina incited violence, gave orders to use lethal force, and failed to prevent mass atrocities. 

She was accused of using helicopters, drones, and other deadly weapons against protesters. 

According to the verdict, in one case in Chankharpul, several unarmed student protesters were killed by forces under her command. 

There are also allegations relating to the handling of dead bodies — such as burning or hiding them — after killings. 

Tribunal’s Verdict

A three-judge panel of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) delivered the judgment. 

Hasina was found guilty on three counts: incitement, ordering killings, and failure to prevent crimes. 

The tribunal imposed a single sentence: death. 

Alongside her, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal also received a death sentence. 

Another accused, former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, pleaded guilty and testified; he was sentenced to 5 years in prison. 

Reaction & Counterarguments

Sheikh Hasina asserted that the tribunal was “rigged” and politically motivated. 

She claimed she would have faced a “fair trial” in a proper court, but that she was denied that. 

Her camp argues the verdict was predetermined, aiming to remove her from politics and weaken her party. 

Context & Implications

The verdict carries major political significance, as Hasina and her party (Awami League) remain influential in Bangladesh.

There are concerns about the tribunal’s fairness and whether due process was fully respected — raised by observers and human rights groups. 

Security in Dhaka was tightened around the time of the verdict, reflecting fears of unrest. 

Legally, the sentence could be appealed (e.g., to the Supreme Court), but Hasina is living in exile in India, which complicates enforcement.

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