Death Sentence for Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh Crimes Against Humanity Trial

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The former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has been accused of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). Initially, she was ousted for causing brutal protests wherein acts like violent suppression and killing of protestors were involved.

Eventually, an ultimatum was given to Hasina and her administration to resign. However, Hasina, currently in exile in India, described the verdict as "biased and politically motivated".

Guilty on Charges of Incitement and Ordering Killings

The International Crimes Tribunal's 453-page judgment found Hasina guilty of multiple charges related to the 2024 student-led protests. A central accusation stated she ordered the "extermination" of demonstrators during the peak of the unrest.

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The ICT stated, “In the atrocities of killing and gravely injuring protesters, as aforesaid, accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina committed crimes against humanity by her incitement order and also failure to take preventive and punitive measures under Charge 1.”

The court further added, “Accused Sheikh Hasina committed one count of crimes against humanity by her order to use drones, helicopters, and lethal weapons under Charge number 2."

The court ruled that Hasina was responsible for the killings and for authorizing the use of deadly weapons against student protesters. The verdict held her liable for both direct command and for failing to prevent the widespread casualties.

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Exiled Hasina Calls Verdict 'Biased and Political'

Sheikh Hasina strongly denounced the death sentence, calling it “Biased and politically motivated ruling by a rigged tribunal with no democratic mandate.” She also stated, “I am not afraid to face my accusers in a proper tribunal where evidence can be weighed and tested fairly.” 

The former Bangladesh PM and her party members called ICT a “kangaroo court” and expressed condemnation towards the appointment of a lawyer by the state to represent her. 

Overall, Sheikh Hasina has refused to recognize the court's authority and rejected all the charges levied against her. She also added that the guilty verdict against her was a foregone conclusion. The former Prime Minister has repeatedly challenged the interim government to bring these charges before the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

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