Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death after finding her guilty of crimes against humanity. The case relates to a deadly crackdown on student protesters last year, which eventually led to the fall of her Awami League government.

A three-judge panel led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder also gave verdicts against two of Hasina’s close aides, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. All three were found guilty of acting together to order violence against students who were protesting across the country.

What the court said

The tribunal said that when students raised their demands during last year’s protests, Hasina did not listen. Instead, she insulted the protesters by calling them “Razakars,” a word considered very offensive in Bangladesh. After these remarks, the court said, students, including many young women, became even angrier.

According to the judges, the prosecution was able to prove that Hasina then ordered the “elimination” of the protesting students. The court said members of Awami League-affiliated groups like the Chhatra League and Yuva League carried out the attacks on students at Dhaka University.

Charges against Hasina

Hasina, Kamal and Mamun faced five major charges, including murder, attempted murder, torture and other inhuman acts. One of the most serious charges accused Hasina of directing the “extermination” of protesters. A UN report earlier found that up to 1,400 people were killed between July 15 and August 15, 2024, during what became known as the “July Uprising.” Thousands were also injured as security forces cracked down on demonstrations.

Hasina, now 78 years old, has been living in exile in India since August 2024 after refusing to appear before the tribunal. The chief prosecutor called her the “mastermind” behind the violence, though Hasina’s supporters insist the case is politically motivated.

Extradition and unrest

Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 4, 2024, and has been living in India since then. Kamal is also believed to be in India. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has asked India to extradite her, but New Delhi has not responded.

Security across Bangladesh has been tightened ahead of the verdict. Dhaka’s police chief issued shoot-to-kill orders against anyone involved in arson or violence. The Awami League had already announced a two-day shutdown, and the streets around the tribunal remained mostly empty due to fear of unrest. Army troops, Border Guards and riot police have been deployed in key areas.

Hasina and Kamal were declared fugitives and tried in their absence. Mamun appeared in court initially but later became an approver, helping the prosecution. The situation in Bangladesh remains tense as the country awaits the next political steps.