Dhaka Court Sentences Sheikh Hasina to Death on Charges of Crimes Against Humanity

According to the tribunal’s verdict, Hasina was convicted on three major counts after a months-long trial that concluded she had ordered a violent suppression of nationwide student protests. Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex–police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun were also named in the judgment for their roles in the same case. The three-judge panel, led by Justice Mohd Golam Mortuza Majumder, said the accused had acted jointly to orchestrate mass violence aimed at crushing demonstrations across the country. While Kamal and Hasina were tried in absentia after being declared fugitives, Mamun appeared in court initially but later turned approver, resulting in his pardon. Court’s Findings The tribunal noted that the Hasina administration dismissed student demands and instead escalated tensions by labeling the protesters as “Razakars,” a deeply offensive term in Bangladesh. This, the court said, fuelled widespread anger among young demonstrators. Judges concluded that government-affiliated groups—including the Awami League’s Chhatra League and Jubo League wings—carried out attacks on students at Dhaka University. They further stated that Hasina directed security agencies to deploy drones, helicopters and lethal force to target protest gatherings. The court found Kamal and Mamun complicit for enabling the use of deadly weapons and failing to prevent the brutality. Mamun’s full confession and cooperation, however, led to his formal pardon. Hasina and Kamal’s flight from the country was cited as reinforcing the case against them. “Sheikh Hasina is convicted on three counts: incitement, issuing fatal directives, and failing to stop atrocities,” Judge Majumder announced. “The tribunal imposes the single penalty of death.” Charges Against the Accused Hasina, Kamal and Mamun were charged with murder, attempted murder, torture and other inhumane acts. Prosecutors alleged that Hasina ordered the “extermination” of protesters during the student uprising, which a UN rights report estimates left up to 1,400 people dead between July 15 and August 15, 2024. Hasina, now 78, has been living in India after refusing to appear before the tribunal. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam portrayed her as the chief architect behind the alleged atrocities, while her supporters argue that the proceedings are politically motivated. Extradition Issue Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 4, 2024, as unrest escalated, and she is believed to be residing in India along with Kamal. The interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus has sought their extradition, though India has not formally responded. Security Concerns Ahead of the tribunal’s announcement, Bangladesh intensified nationwide security measures. Dhaka Police Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali ordered a shoot-on-sight policy for anyone engaging in arson or violence. The dissolved Awami League had called a 48-hour shutdown in anticipation of the judgment. The capital’s streets were largely empty as military, border guards and riot units surrounded the tribunal complex.