Dhaka, Bangladesh – November 17, 2025 – Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, has been sentenced to death after being found guilty of crimes against humanity related to the violent suppression of student protests in 2024. The verdict, delivered by the International Crimes Tribunal on Monday, marks the end of Hasina’s 15-year rule and sets the stage for potential political unrest as the country approaches national elections in February.
What Happened
Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted from power in August 2024, faced a series of charges connected to the brutal crackdown on student protests that rocked Bangladesh the previous year. The unrest, which began as peaceful protests, escalated into violence, with authorities using lethal force to suppress demonstrators. The tribunal heard testimony that around 1,400 protesters were killed, and more than 25,000 were injured over the course of several weeks of protests.
The court’s three-judge panel found Hasina guilty of inciting the murders of protesters, ordering executions, and authorizing the use of military-grade weapons, drones, and helicopters to quash the protests. Despite her denials of the charges, the tribunal handed down the death sentence, along with a similar sentence for former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, who was accused of complicity in the violence.
Who Was Sheikh Hasina?
Sheikh Hasina, 78, was Bangladesh’s Prime Minister from 2009 until her government was toppled in 2024. She led the country with an iron fist, and under her leadership, Bangladesh experienced significant economic growth, but also widespread political repression. Hasina’s government was marked by allegations of corruption, authoritarian rule, and the stifling of dissent. Her decision to suppress the student protests with force, however, led to her downfall.
After being ousted from office, Hasina fled to India, where she has remained in self-imposed exile. Despite her absence from court on the day of the verdict, her influence in Bangladesh’s political landscape continues to be felt, with her political party, the Awami League, remaining a powerful force in the country.
Legal Process and Allegations
Hasina faced five primary charges related to the violent suppression of the student protests, including the murder of protesters and the ordering of executions. Prosecutors argued that she had incited violence, ordered lethal force against the demonstrators, and used military resources to crush the protests. Her defense team, however, has strongly rejected the charges, claiming that the trial was politically motivated and lacked due process.
The defense appealed to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, citing concerns about fairness and human rights violations during the trial. Hasina’s legal team criticized the proceedings as politically driven, calling into question the legitimacy of the court’s decision.
Political Reactions and Consequences
The sentencing has sparked widespread protests, with Hasina’s Awami League party calling for a nationwide shutdown to demand justice for their leader. The verdict has already begun to spark political turmoil, and many fear that the country will experience fresh waves of unrest in the lead-up to the upcoming national elections, which are scheduled for February 2026.
The sentencing of Hasina has divided the nation, with many of her supporters viewing the trial as an attack on her legacy and an effort to undermine the democratic process. However, others argue that the violent crackdown during the protests represents a gross violation of human rights, and the verdict is a necessary step toward justice for the victims of the violence.
Official Statements and What Happens Next
In his statement, Bangladesh’s current Prime Minister has vowed to uphold the law, emphasizing the importance of justice being served in the case. However, there are growing concerns about the potential for political instability and further violence, particularly as Hasina’s supporters rally behind her and prepare for mass protests.
Hasina’s defense team has announced plans to appeal the death sentence, and it remains to be seen whether the international community will intervene in the case. Meanwhile, the Awami League party continues to push for widespread demonstrations in protest of the verdict.
Closing
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
The post Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death for Crimes Against Humanity Following Violent Student Protest Suppression first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
