Post by : Rameen Ariff

Dhaka, Nov 17, 2025 – In a significant and controversial decision, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, 78, to death for committing “crimes against humanity” during anti-government protests last year that led to the fall of her Awami League party.

The ruling, issued by a three-member panel led by Judge Golam Mortuza Mozumder, held Hasina guilty on multiple charges, including incitement to violence, ordering the killing of demonstrators, and neglecting to prevent atrocities. Other key figures convicted alongside her included former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Both Hasina and Kamal were not present for the trial as they had fled the nation amid the turmoil, while Mamun initially attended court before becoming an approver.

Upon the announcement of the sentence, the courtroom erupted in tears, applause, and cheers. Judge Mozumder remarked on the gravity of the offenses, stating, “We have determined that the only appropriate punishment is death.” The tribunal further indicated that Hasina has no right to appeal the ruling unless she returns to Bangladesh or is apprehended within 30 days.

Since August 5, 2024, Sheikh Hasina has been in self-imposed exile in India following massive protests against her rule in Dhaka. These demonstrations erupted over allegations of corruption and poor governance, resulting in violent confrontations that, according to the United Nations, claimed over 1,400 lives. Her decision to flee concluded a 15-year premiership in Bangladesh.

This ruling marks a pivotal moment in Bangladesh's political narrative, raising concerns about judicial fairness and inciting the potential for further unrest. Observers have criticized the ICT for conducting trials in absentia, citing worries about impartiality given Hasina’s prominent political ties.

The international community is observing the situation attentively, as Hasina is reportedly residing in a concealed safe house in Delhi. Human rights groups have urged caution, noting that high-stakes political trials may escalate tensions both within Bangladesh and its neighboring regions.

Hasina’s sentencing arrives at a turbulent time for Bangladesh, facing persistent political volatility, increased public demonstrations, and social unrest. The nation must now confront the dual challenges of ensuring internal security and addressing global scrutiny.

This verdict is poised to significantly influence not only Bangladesh’s political environment but also international diplomatic relations, as leaders and human rights organizations evaluate the tribunal’s decision and the implications for a prominent political figure now living in exile.

As the country absorbs this unprecedented ruling, all eyes are fixed on Dhaka and Delhi, anticipating the next developments in an ongoing saga that has fundamentally altered Bangladesh's contemporary political landscape.

#Global