In a landmark decision, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity related to the deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising that led to the fall of her government in 2024.
The court found Hasina, who was tried in absentia, guilty on three counts, including incitement, ordering to kill, and failing to prevent atrocities during the mass movement, often referred to as the “July Uprising.” The verdict was pronounced by the three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Mohd Golam Mortuza Majumder, in a courtroom packed with observers.
Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam described Hasina as the “mastermind and principal architect” of the atrocities. The tribunal noted that instead of addressing student demands, Hasina allegedly undermined the movement and ordered the “elimination of protesting students,” directing law enforcement agencies to use drones, helicopters, and lethal weapons. A UN rights office report estimates that up to 1,400 people were killed between July 15 and August 15 during the sweeping security operation.
Co-Accused Convicted, One Pardoned
The tribunal also delivered a guilty verdict against Hasina’s former Home Minister, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, on similar charges. However, former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who initially faced trial, was pardoned after he “sought an apology from the tribunal and the people of the country” and made a full disclosure related to his involvement.
Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 4, 2024, amid intensifying unrest and is currently living in exile in India. The court noted that her abscondence, along with Kamal’s, was suggestive of their guilt. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has since sought her extradition from India.
The verdict follows months of trial and comes amid heightened security across Bangladesh, with streets in the capital largely deserted ahead of the judgement amid fears of violence.
