Dhaka, Bangladesh – November 17, 2025 – Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death in 2024 after being found guilty of crimes against humanity related to the violent suppression of student protests. The verdict, handed down on Monday by the International Criminal Tribunal, marks the end of Hasina’s 15-year rule and sets the stage for potential political unrest as the country nears national elections in February.
What happened
Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted from power in August 2024, faced several allegations related to the brutal crackdown on student protests in Bangladesh last year. The unrest, which began as peaceful protests, turned into violence, with authorities using lethal force to suppress protesters. The tribunal heard testimony that approximately 1,400 protesters were killed, and more than 25,000 were injured during several weeks of protests.
The court’s three-judge panel found Hasina guilty of inciting the killings of protesters, ordering the executions and authorizing the use of military-grade weapons, drones and helicopters to break up the protests. Despite his denial of the charges, the tribunal also sentenced former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, who was accused of involvement in the violence, to death along with a similar sentence.
Who was Sheikh Hasina?
Sheikh Hasina, 78, was the prime minister of Bangladesh from 2009 until her government was toppled in 2024. He led the country strongly and under his leadership, Bangladesh experienced significant economic growth but also widespread political repression. Hasina’s government has been accused of corruption, authoritarian rule and suppressing dissent. However, his decision to suppress student protests by force led to his downfall.
After being ousted from office, Hasina fled to India, where she is living in self-exile. Despite his absence from the court on the day of the verdict, his influence is still felt in the political landscape of Bangladesh, with his political party, the Awami League, remaining a powerful force in the country.
Legal process and charges
Hasina faced five preliminary charges related to violent suppression of student protests, including ordering the killing and execution of protesters. Prosecutors argued that he incited violence, ordered lethal force against protesters and used military resources to crush the protests. However, his defense team has strongly rejected the allegations and claimed that the trial was politically motivated and lacked due process.
The defense appealed to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, citing concerns about fairness and human rights violations during the trial. Hasina’s legal team criticized the proceedings as politically motivated and questioned the validity of the court’s decision.
Political reactions and consequences
The sentence has triggered widespread protests, with Hasina’s Awami League party calling for a nationwide shutdown to demand justice for their leader. The decision has already triggered political turmoil, and many fear the country will experience a fresh wave of unrest ahead of upcoming national elections in February 2026.
Hasina’s conviction has divided the country, with many of her supporters seeing the trial as an attack on her legacy and an attempt to undermine the democratic process. However, others argue that the violent actions taken during the protests represent a gross violation of human rights, and that the verdict is a necessary step toward justice for victims of violence.
Official statement and what will happen next
In his statement, the current Prime Minister of Bangladesh has vowed to uphold the law, stressing the importance of justice being served in the case. However, concerns are growing about political instability and the potential for further violence, especially as Hasina’s supporters are rallying behind her and preparing for mass protests.
Hasina’s defense team has announced plans to appeal the death sentence, and it remains to be seen whether the international community will intervene in the case. Meanwhile, the Awami League party is insisting on mass demonstrations to protest against the decision.
closure
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
