A Dhaka court has issued a death sentence for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was found guilty of crimes against humanity related to last year’s violent suppression of nationwide protests. The verdict was delivered in absentia, as the deposed leader remains abroad.
The special tribunal ruled that Hasina, during her tenure, authorized the use of military-grade force against civilians, including drone and helicopter attacks. The judges stated these actions constituted a systematic attack on the population.
The former prime minister has consistently denied the charges, labeling the judicial process a political instrument. She did not appear for the trial, having left the country months prior. Requests for her return to face justice have not been acted upon by the nation where she currently resides.
Security was significantly heightened in the capital ahead of the ruling, following a series of explosive incidents attributed to political unrest. The area around the courthouse was sealed off by security forces.
The protests, which began as student demonstrations and escalated into a broad-based movement, led to significant casualties. International observers estimate the death toll from the government’s response to be in the hundreds.
The prosecution built its case on evidence including audio recordings allegedly linking directives from the highest office to operations on the ground. A former senior official, who pleaded guilty and cooperated with investigators, received a reduced sentence.
For families who lost relatives in the unrest, the verdict represents a form of long-awaited accountability. One father, who lost his son, stated the sentence was a necessary declaration that those in power cannot act with impunity.
The interim administration, which assumed control following the unrest, has emphasized the tribunal’s transparency. The proceedings were largely broadcast publicly.
With national elections scheduled for early next year, the political landscape remains volatile. The party formerly in power has been barred from participating and has pledged widespread disruption in response to the court’s decision. From abroad, representatives of the former leader have vowed to contest the verdict by all available means.