A special war-crimes tribunal in Bangladesh has declared a death sentence for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, holding her responsible for serious human-rights violations linked to the 2024 student uprising. The judgment was delivered in her absence, as Hasina has been living outside the country since leaving office.
According to the tribunal, Hasina and her close colleagues were involved in ordering aggressive action against student protesters during the nationwide demonstrations of 2024. Investigators told the court that force was used beyond lawful limits, resulting in large-scale casualties and severe injuries. The prosecution claimed that security agencies acted under direct instructions from senior government leaders.
Two other top officials from her previous administration also faced sentencing in the same case. Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal was given the death penalty, while former police chief Abdullah Al-Mamun received a five-year jail term. Prosecutors argued that all three had played key roles in planning and executing the crackdown on the protest movement.
The court said it relied on witness accounts, communication records, and official documents while assessing the charges. Families of victims were present outside the tribunal and welcomed the verdict, saying they had waited long for justice.
Hasina, who has denied all charges, maintains that the case is politically motivated. Her party, the Awami League, has strongly criticised the ruling and announced nationwide protests against the judgment. They claim the legal process was rushed and influenced by political pressure.
Security remained tight around Dhaka throughout the day, with additional forces deployed near the court area. The verdict has already sparked sharp reactions across the country, and more demonstrations are expected in the coming days.