A court in Dhaka ordered the death penalty for former prime minister Sheikh Hasina over charges tied to last year’s uprising. The Guardian
Bangladesh’s former prime minister Sheikh Hasina now faces a death sentence after a court in Dhaka found her guilty of crimes against humanity. Judges delivered the ruling in her absence. Hasina fled to India last year after a massive student-led revolt forced her from power.
The court said she ordered violent attacks on protesters during the uprising. Judges also said she ignored clear warnings about deadly force used by security forces. Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder read the ruling and said the “accused prime minister committed crimes against humanity by her order to use drones, helicopters and lethal weapons” on civilians.
Hasina rejected all charges. She called the case a “politically motivated charade” and said she never received a fair chance to defend herself.
UN Responds to the Sentence
The UN human rights office welcomed the move toward accountability but spoke out against the death sentence. A spokesperson, Ravina Shamdasani, said, “We … regret the imposition of the death penalty, which we oppose in all circumstances.”
The UN has long called for justice for victims of the violent crackdown, which marked one of the bloodiest periods in the country’s recent history.
Victims’ Families React
Inside the courtroom, families of killed protesters broke down as the verdict came down. Judges also sentenced former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan. Many relatives said the ruling gave them a sense of relief after a year of grief and anger.
Hasina issued a statement from exile. She insisted she acted “in good faith” to stop chaos and claimed the ruling came from a “rigged tribunal” created by an “unelected government.”
Dhaka on Edge
The capital saw heavy security before the verdict. Police, soldiers and paramilitary units guarded streets near the courthouse. Several crude bombs exploded in the city days earlier, raising fear of new violence. Police ordered officers to immediately shoot anyone caught throwing explosives.
A bomb exploded near the court Monday morning, causing panic and leading police to close nearby roads.
Background to the Uprising
The nationwide revolt began with student protests and grew into a huge movement now known as the “July revolution.” Demonstrators accused Hasina of ruling through fear, corruption, and repression during her 15 years in office.
Human rights groups reported widespread abuses under her rule. They documented torture, disappearances, and the use of live ammunition on protesters. UN officials estimate that up to 1,400 people died during last year’s unrest.
Trial and Evidence
The interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus promised accountability for the crackdown. Prosecutors presented video evidence, audio recordings, and eyewitness accounts.
One of the most powerful pieces of evidence came from the killing of Abu Sayeed, a student shot at close range. His death, captured on camera, helped fuel nationwide anger.
Hasina’s former police chief, Chowdhury Abdullah al-Mamun, testified against her after pleading guilty. Judges said Mamun deserved the same severe penalty but granted him leniency because he cooperated.
Looking Ahead
The country prepares for a new election in early February. Hasina’s Awami League cannot take part. Many of its leaders now stay in jail or abroad. Party supporters warned of unrest in the coming weeks.
Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed, said she remains “upset, angry, outraged,” and he vowed that her family will “fight back by whatever means necessary.”
