Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death for her involvement in violent protests resulting in numerous casualties. The verdict was delivered following her conviction for crimes against humanity, including incitement, issuing lethal orders, and failure to prevent atrocities. Hasina, currently residing in exile in India, was tried in absentia.
Additionally, former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, present in court, and ex-interior minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who has evaded authorities, were also found guilty for permitting the use of deadly force against demonstrators and neglecting to protect them.
Last year, Hasina resigned from her position and fled to India amid widespread unrest and demands for accountability after hundreds lost their lives in clashes with law enforcement. The United Nations reported a potential death toll of up to 1,400 during the upheaval.
The sentencing took place at the International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and has raised concerns about possible civil unrest as the country prepares for upcoming parliamentary elections. Security measures were intensified in anticipation of the verdict, with increased presence of military and police forces in Dhaka and other regions.
During the trial, Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder accused Hasina of committing crimes against humanity by authorizing the use of drones, helicopters, and lethal weapons. Family members of deceased protesters reacted emotionally in the courtroom upon hearing the sentencing, while others expressed approval of the court’s decision.
In a recorded message played before the death penalty was announced, Hasina remained defiant, stating her commitment to serving her people despite the impending verdict. She later denounced the court’s decision as politically motivated and criticized the tribunal as biased and unfair.
The unrest that erupted in July last year initially stemmed from student demonstrations but quickly expanded into a nationwide revolt. Hasina’s response involved a government-led crackdown and the deployment of live ammunition against civilians by security forces.
Hasina’s remarks from India following the sentencing highlighted her refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of the tribunal and the accusations against her, emphasizing the need for a fair and unbiased legal process to address the allegations.
