Dhaka — In a landmark ruling that has plunged Bangladesh into a new period of political uncertainty, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death. The verdict, delivered on November 17, 2025, finds the deposed leader guilty of crimes against humanity for her role in the violent suppression of the 2024 student-led uprising, a pivotal event that led to her ouster.
The Verdict and Charges
The three-member tribunal, presided over by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, convicted Sheikh Hasina on multiple counts, including incitement, ordering killings, and failing to prevent mass atrocities. The charges stem from her government's brutal crackdown on the "July Revolution," where the tribunal found she authorized the use of drones, helicopters, and lethal force against unarmed civilian protesters.
The court also delivered sentences for two of her former officials:
- Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, the former Home Minister, was also sentenced to death.
- Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, the former Police Chief, received a five-year prison sentence after cooperating with the prosecution as a state witness.
Notably, Sheikh Hasina was tried and sentenced in absentia, having fled to India following her resignation in August 2024.
Context: The 2024 July Revolution
The trial centered on the events of July-August 2024, a period that fundamentally reshaped the nation's political landscape. What began as peaceful student demonstrations against a controversial civil service job quota system rapidly escalated into a nationwide revolt. The movement, fueled by widespread allegations of authoritarianism and corruption under Hasina's 15-year rule, reached a critical point following the killing of a student named Abu Sayed.
The government's subsequent crackdown was characterized by a systematic use of lethal force. The prosecution presented evidence, including recorded conversations, to argue that Hasina and her aides orchestrated the violence. United Nations estimates and tribunal findings suggest the death toll may have reached up to 1,400 civilians, a staggering human cost that formed the core of the case against her.
Political Fallout and Domestic Reactions
The verdict has dramatically intensified the country's political divisions.
- Hasina and Awami League's Response: From exile, Sheikh Hasina vehemently rejected the ruling, labeling the tribunal "rigged" and "politically motivated." Her party, the Awami League, which has since been banned, denounced the verdict and vowed to challenge it, warning of potential mass unrest.
- Legal and Political Criticism: Supporters of the former PM and some legal observers have criticized recent amendments to the tribunal's law, arguing that a new clause (Section 20C) which bars those charged from election participation was designed specifically to eliminate her from the political arena.
- Security Measures: Anticipating violence, authorities imposed a severe security lockdown across Dhaka. Military and paramilitary forces were deployed to maintain order, with incidents of crude bomb explosions and arson reported in the days leading up to the verdict.
Legal Implications and Next Steps
Under Bangladeshi law, Sheikh Hasina has the right to appeal the verdict to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court within 30 days. However, her status as a fugitive significantly complicates this process. The appeal will be a critical test for the country's judiciary, poised between delivering accountability for grave crimes and allegations of political weaponization.
Broader Impact on Bangladesh's Future
This verdict represents more than the fall of a single leader; it is a watershed moment for the nation's governance. The interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, is attempting to steer the country toward a new democratic era. Its roadmap includes:
- Holding national parliamentary elections in February 2026.
- Conducting a national referendum on the "July Charter," a 26-point constitutional reform plan aimed at preventing a return to authoritarianism.
While the ruling is seen as a form of catharsis for the victims of the 2024 crackdown, it also deepens the nation's political polarization. The coming months will determine whether this judicial process fosters a transition to stable democracy or entrenches divisions, setting a profound precedent for the future of rule of law in Bangladesh.
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