A Bangladesh court has sentence former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death. The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka convicted her of crimes against humanity. This landmark ruling concludes a months-long trial over her government’s brutal crackdown on a student-led uprising in 2024.
Reports estimate up to 1,400 people died during the protests, known as the “July Uprising.“
The three-member tribunal found Hasina guilty on three counts. She faced charges including incitement, ordering killings, and failing to prevent atrocities.
- The court noted that Hasina ordered the “extermination of protesting students.” She directed law enforcement to use drones, helicopters, and lethal weapons against demonstrators.
- The judges pointed out that Hasina’s derogatory remarks, calling students ‘Razakars,’ led to greater anger among the protestors.
- The tribunal also sentenced former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death on the same charges. Former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun received a pardon, as he turned state approver and admitted his role.
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Exile and Extradition
Hasina, 78, and Kamal were tried in absentia. Both fled Bangladesh amidst the intensifying unrest in August 2024. They currently live in exile in India. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has requested India for Hasina’s extradition. India has not yet responded to this request.
Security remains heightened across Bangladesh following the verdict. The now-disbanded Awami League party called for a shutdown to protest the ruling. Hasina’s supporters maintain the charges are politically motivated.
