Bangladesh sentences Sheikh Hasina, Al-Mamun to death for ‘crimes against humanity’ during brutal crackdown
Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has handed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina the death penalty after finding her guilty of crimes against humanity linked to last year’s violent suppression of a student-led uprising that toppled her Awami League government.
The tribunal, led by Justice Mohd Golam Mortuza Majumder, convicted Hasina on three major counts, concluding she orchestrated a nationwide campaign of lethal force against protesters.
Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal received the same verdict, while former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun was pardoned after turning approver and apologizing to the nation.
The court said the trio “acted in connivance” to commit atrocities, accusing Hasina of ordering law enforcement agencies — and ruling party wings including the Chhatra League and Yuva League — to hunt down demonstrators using drones, helicopters, and lethal weapons.
The attacks, the court noted, included targeted violence on Dhaka University students after Hasina publicly derided the movement and branded students as “Razakars.”
Hasina and Kamal were tried in absentia after fleeing to India. Their absconding, the judges said, strengthened the case for guilt. Hasina, 78, was found guilty of incitement, ordering killings, and failing to stop atrocities.
The charges included murder, attempted murder, torture, and “inhumane acts.”
A UN rights report estimates up to 1,400 people were killed during the July 2024 uprising, which ultimately forced Hasina from office, according to news reports.
An extradition request for Hasina remains pending with India, where she has lived since August 2024.
Security across Bangladesh has been tightened, with shoot-at-sight orders issued amid fears of unrest following the explosive verdict.
