Dhaka/New Delhi — In a dramatic and historic verdict, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced former Prime Minister sheikh hasina to death after finding her guilty of inciting and orchestrating killings during the 2024 student uprising. The courtroom erupted in loud applause moments after the judgment was announced, marking one of the most intense political turning points in the country’s recent history.
The tribunal declared that Hasina, who has been living in India for the past 15 months, played a central role in the violent crackdown that claimed multiple lives during mass protests led by university students last year. The court stated that she not only encouraged the use of force but also directly approved actions that ultimately resulted in several deaths.
Court Finds Sheikh Hasina Guilty on Multiple Charges
According to the tribunal’s detailed judgment, sheikh hasina was found guilty of “provoking murder” and “issuing directives that led to fatal consequences.” The tribunal concluded that her actions were deliberate and politically motivated, aimed at suppressing the rapidly growing student movement that demanded reforms and accountability.
Alongside Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan was also convicted for his role in the killing of 12 protesters. He too was handed a death sentence. Meanwhile, former Inspector General of Police Abdullah Al-Mamun received a five-year prison term after turning state witness during the investigation.
The moment the judgment was delivered, the courtroom witnessed a thunderous round of applause from those present. Many supporters of the tribunal described the verdict as a step toward “restoring justice” and “ending a culture of political impunity.”
Properties Ordered Seized, Accused Remain Outside Bangladesh
The tribunal also directed authorities to seize the properties belonging to sheikh hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan. Both have remained outside Bangladesh for over a year and are believed to be residing in India since leaving the country amid rising political unrest.
Reports indicate that their absence and refusal to return for investigation played a significant role in public sentiment turning sharply against them. For many citizens, especially the families of victims, the verdict marks what they call a “long-awaited moment of accountability.”
A Stunning Twist: The Court That Hasina Established Now Sentences Her
In a striking turn of irony, the tribunal that sentenced sheikh hasina to death is the same judicial body she established during her years in power. The International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh (ICT-BD) was created to investigate and prosecute war crimes committed during the 1971 Liberation War.
At the time, Hasina had promoted the tribunal as a symbol of justice, national healing, and her commitment to human rights. Now, decades later, that very institution has delivered a historic ruling against her, adding a dramatic layer to Bangladesh’s complex political landscape.
Legal experts say this moment will likely remain one of the most debated episodes in the country’s political history — not just because of the verdict but because of the symbolic weight carried by a court ruling against its own founder.
The 2024 Student Movement: What Led to the Crisis
The controversy surrounding sheikh hasina grew sharply during the 2024 student movement, one of the largest youth-led protests the country had witnessed in years. Students from top universities flooded the streets, demanding reforms in education policies, fair job quotas, and freedom from what they described as authoritarian governance.
As protests intensified, clashes between demonstrators and security forces escalated dramatically. The violence left several students dead and many injured, drawing global criticism and triggering political uproar.
Investigations later concluded that orders for the crackdown came from top government offices, ultimately placing direct responsibility on Hasina and her inner circle. This finding formed a key part of the tribunal’s ruling.
International Reactions and Regional Implications
The verdict against sheikh hasina is expected to have significant regional implications, especially given her current stay in India. Diplomatic observers say the ruling could impact Dhaka–New Delhi relations, particularly if Bangladesh formally seeks her extradition.
International human rights organizations have expressed concern, urging Bangladesh to ensure that all trial processes remain transparent, fair, and compliant with global legal standards.
Meanwhile, political analysts believe the verdict may reshape Bangladesh’s political future, creating both instability and opportunities for new leadership to emerge.
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What Happens Next?
Bangladesh’s legal system allows for an appeal in death penalty cases. However, with sheikh hasina residing outside the country, the next steps remain uncertain. Authorities have not yet commented on whether they will seek international cooperation to bring her back to face sentencing procedures.
For now, Bangladesh stands at a crossroads — between a dramatic legal milestone and a politically sensitive future. What remains clear is that the judgment against sheikh hasina has already changed the national conversation, raising questions about leadership, justice, and the direction the country will take from here.
