Ex-Bangladeshi PM Hasina Sentenced to Death for Crackdown on Student Uprising

In a landmark and deeply polarizing decision, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death by a special International Crimes Tribunal. The verdict comes amid long-standing accusations of a brutal crackdown on a student-led uprising in mid-2024, which has been one of the most violent political confrontations in recent Bangladeshi history. 

What the Court Found Her Guilty Of

• The tribunal convicted Hasina of crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, and inhumane acts.
  
• Key charges detail that she ordered the use of lethal weapons, including drones and helicopters, to suppress the protestors.
  
• Additionally, Hasina was accused of incitement, conspiracy, and command responsibility meaning she had direct oversight or gave directives to security forces.
  
• One particularly grave accusation: She allegedly called student protestors “Razakars” (a derogatory term) and spoke of eliminating them.
  
• The verdict is based on a 453-page judgment delivered by a three-judge bench.
  

What Led to the Trial

• The uprising began in July-August 2024, when students across Bangladesh launched massive protests. 
• Prosecutors argue that the government’s response was not just reactive but systematic and coordinated.
  
• Evidence presented includes audio recordings, phone calls, and communications implicating Hasina’s direct role in the suppression.
  
• According to UN estimates, the violent crackdown resulted in as many as 1,400 deaths, though other sources report around 800.
  

Reactions & Fallout

• Hasina denies all charges, calling the trial “politically motivated” and the tribunal a “charade.”
  
• In her first public reaction after the verdict, she dismissed it as “biased.”
  
• The ruling has ignited major security concerns across Bangladesh. Following the announcement, authorities deployed massive security around courts, and several parts of Dhaka went into lockdown.
  
• The tribunal also sentenced former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death, while a former police chief received 5 years in prison after cooperating.
  

Why This Verdict Matters

1. Historic Accountability
   This marks one of the first times a former head of government in Bangladesh is being held criminally responsible for a domestic political crackdown.
   
2. Deep Political Polarization
   The verdict is likely to further split the country. Hasina’s party (Awami League) and her supporters may view this as political revenge, while rivals see it as justice.
   
3. International Implications
   Her exile in India complicates the situation. Bangladesh’s request for extradition could strain relations, especially if India resists.
   
4. Human Rights & Justice Debate
   The case raises important questions: How far can transitional justice go? Was the trial fair? Will the death penalty be carried out or appealed?
   
5. Precedent for Future Governance
   What happens now could set a precedent for how political leaders are held accountable in Bangladesh. The verdict may also impact how protests, dissent, and civil unrest are handled in the future.