In a dramatic legal development, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death on Monday by a tribunal court after being found guilty of committing “crimes against humanity” during the massive student uprising that swept the country in 2024.
The verdict, read by Judge Golam Mortuza Mozumder, brings a mix of relief and validation to the families of those killed due to police brutality during the protests. However, the ruling faces a complex international challenge, as Hasina currently remains in exile in India.
The Verdict and Convictions
Along with Sheikh Hasina, her former interior minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal was also given the death sentence. Meanwhile, former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun received a more lenient sentence of five years in prison due to his cooperation with the investigation and pleading guilty in July.
Judge Mozumder stated that Hasina was “found guilty on three counts”:
- Incitement of violence.
- Order to kill.
- Failing to take any action to prevent the atrocities.
While the court initially considered a life sentence, the severity of the combined charges led the tribunal to award the ultimate penalty. “We have decided to inflict her with only one sentence — that is, sentence of death,” said Judge Mozumder.
Sheikh Hasina and her two aides faced charges for five specific crimes, including orchestrating mass killings of protesters in Dhaka, the use of helicopters and drones to fire on civilian crowds, the murder of student activist Abu Sayed, the incineration of bodies to destroy evidence, and the coordinated killing of demonstrators in Chankharpul.
Responses and Extradition Request
Sheikh Hasina immediately denied the charges, labeling the verdict as “rigged” and “politically motivated” by a “kangaroo court.”
In stark contrast, the Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh welcomed the conviction. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus issued a statement reading: “The conviction and sentencing affirm a fundamental principle: no one, regardless of power, is above the law.”
Following the verdict, Dhaka officially urged India to extradite Sheikh Hasina and her former interior minister, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Both leaders were tried in absentia after fleeing Dhaka during the August uprising. Bangladesh invoked the extradition treaty, arguing that New Delhi is obliged to return the two convicted leaders.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded cautiously, stating only that it has noted the verdict. The statement added: “As a close neighbour, India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country.”
What’s Next for Sheikh Hasina?
The immediate fate of the former Prime Minister now rests heavily on how New Delhi responds to the extradition request.
Bangladesh’s foreign ministry called on India to fulfill its duty, stating, “It would be a grave unfriendly act and a contempt of justice for any other country to grant asylum to these individuals convicted of crimes against humanity.”
Next steps in Bangladesh include:
- Confiscation: The International Crimes Tribunal is set to confiscate Hasina’s properties, which will be taken over by the state.
- Appeal: The verdict can be appealed, but only if Hasina is arrested or voluntarily returns to Bangladesh within the next 30 days.
- Fugitive Status: If Hasina ignores the summons, she can be labeled as a fugitive. This would allow the government to proceed with formally seizing her property, canceling her passport, and escalating extradition requests, potentially leading to an Interpol red notice.