Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has been convicted of crimes against humanity related to the violent suppression of student protests that led to her government’s collapse. The ruling was delivered on Monday by a panel of judges from the International Crimes Tribunal, Bangladesh’s domestic court for war crimes. The court found Hasina responsible for inciting a violent crackdown that resulted in significant loss of life, with approximately 1,400 protestors killed and 25,000 injured during the protests in 2024.
The court proceedings are ongoing, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for the former leader. Hasina faces five charges that include incitement to murder, ordering the use of lethal force against protestors, and directing law enforcement to carry out extrajudicial killings. She has denied all allegations and was not present in the court in Dhaka as she currently resides in self-imposed exile in India.
The trial has sparked controversy, with Hasina’s legal team raising concerns about the fairness of the proceedings. Last week, they submitted an appeal to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, citing serious violations of due process.
Political Implications Ahead of Elections
Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh with an authoritarian grip from 2009 until her ousting in 2024, faces the possibility that the court’s decision could trigger further political instability. The verdict comes at a critical time, with national elections expected in February 2025. Observers fear that the ruling may exacerbate tensions in a country already grappling with political division and unrest.
The violent protests that led to Hasina’s downfall were largely fueled by student activists demanding government accountability and reform. The court’s findings highlight the severe consequences of the government’s response to dissent, raising questions about the future of governance and human rights in Bangladesh.
As the situation develops, many are watching closely to see how this landmark verdict will influence the political landscape in the coming months. Further updates are anticipated as both the prosecution and defense prepare for the next phases of this high-profile case.
