Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death for Crimes Against Humanity

Bangladesh has entered one of the most turbulent chapters in its modern political history. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, once hailed as the most powerful leader in South Asia, has been sentenced to death in absentia by a special tribunal in Dhaka. The verdict, delivered on 17 November 2025, has triggered intense national debate, global reactions, legal challenges, geopolitical tensions, and widespread public unrest.

The court found Hasina guilty of crimes against humanity linked to the brutal crackdown on the 2024 student-led uprising, an event that reshaped the country's political landscape forever. This blog provides a complete, in-depth coverage of what happened, why it happened, the legal and political implications, India’s critical role, and what lies ahead for Bangladesh.

1. Background: How Sheikh Hasina’s Fall Began

Hasina’s Long Rule and Controversial Legacy

Sheikh Hasina served as Bangladesh’s prime minister for multiple terms and was often referred to as the nation’s “Iron Lady.” Under her rule, Bangladesh witnessed enormous infrastructural growth and economic progress.

However, her critics accused her of:

• Centralising power

• Crushing political opposition

• Curbing press freedom

• Weaponising security forces

• Manipulating elections

This authoritarian image intensified during her final years in power.

The 2024 Student Revolt

The turning point came in July 2024, when student protests—initially focused on reforming government job quotas—escalated into a nationwide anti-government movement.

What happened during the uprising:

• The protests spread across universities and cities.

• Security forces were deployed heavily.

• There were reports of excessive force, including use of:

  • Live ammunition

  • Drones

  • Helicopters

• Over 1,000 civilians and students were reportedly killed.

• The country slipped into chaos, with the world raising alarms about human-rights violations.

By August 2024, the Hasina government collapsed under pressure.

Hasina Flees the Country

Facing mass anger, violent protests, and a collapsing administration, Hasina fled Bangladesh. According to multiple reports, she took refuge in India.

Her party, the Awami League, was later banned from contesting future elections.

2. The Trial: Conducted in Absentia

After her removal, a new interim administration—headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus—initiated legal proceedings against Hasina and several senior officials.

Charges Against Hasina Included:

• Ordering lethal force on unarmed protesters

• Approving drone and helicopter operations during crowd dispersal

• Incitement to violence

• Failure to prevent mass civilian deaths

• Crimes against humanity under national and international legal definitions

Because Hasina did not return to Bangladesh, the entire trial was conducted in absentia.

This itself became a major point of criticism from her supporters.

3. The Verdict: Death Sentence for Crimes Against Humanity

On 17 November 2025, the tribunal delivered a historic ruling:

Key Outcomes:

• Sheikh Hasina was convicted and sentenced to death.

• Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal also received the death penalty.

• The tribunal stated that the government under Hasina had used the “full machinery of the state” to suppress civilian dissent.

• The court claimed the evidence of atrocities was “overwhelming and undeniable.”

Why the Verdict Is Historic

• First time in Bangladesh a former PM has been sentenced to death.

• Marks a significant moment in South Asian justice history.

• Sets a precedent for accountability—even for those at the highest levels of power.

However, the verdict has also sparked massive controversy.

4. Political Reactions: A Nation Divided

Supporters of the Verdict Say:

• Justice has finally been served.

• No individual, regardless of status, is above the law.

• The victims of the 2024 crackdown have closure.

• The trial was transparent and met legal standards.

This view was echoed by officials from the current administration and several civil-society groups.

Opponents Say:

• The trial was politically motivated.

• This was a revenge-driven prosecution.

• Key evidence and witnesses were flawed or coerced.

• Hasina did not receive a fair chance to defend herself.

Hasina’s own family members, political allies, and several former diplomats called the verdict:

• “Sham trial”

• “Kangaroo court decision”

• “Politically orchestrated to eliminate the Awami League forever”

International reactions have been mixed, with some organisations criticising the death penalty as inherently unethical.

5. India’s Strategic Dilemma: The Extradition Question

After the verdict, Bangladesh formally requested that India hand over Sheikh Hasina immediately.

But India's answer was cautious and non-committal.

Why India Is Hesitant:

1. Legal Complexity
   India–Bangladesh extradition laws allow refusal if the charges appear politically motivated.

2. Political Sensitivity
   Hasina has long been India’s closest ally in the region.

3. Regional Stability
   Extraditing Hasina may lead to massive political backlash within Bangladesh, potentially destabilising the region.

4. Humanitarian Concerns
   India cannot extradite someone if they are at risk of execution without assurance of commutation.

Current Status

India has not agreed to extradite Hasina.
Bangladesh has repeated its demand.
New Delhi remains silent on her whereabouts.

This issue is now a major geopolitical flashpoint.

6. Public Unrest in Bangladesh

Following the verdict:

• Streets in Dhaka and major cities saw shutdowns.

• Heavy deployment of security forces was visible.

• Rival political groups clashed.

• International media reported concerns of a return to large-scale violence.

Human rights groups and UN bodies expressed concern over the death penalty, though some acknowledged that victim testimonies and investigations were significant.

7. Hasina’s Personal Response

A defiant audio message attributed to Hasina emerged on social media shortly after the verdict.

She reportedly said:

• She does not fear death.

• She calls the verdict politically motivated.

• She accuses the current government of destroying democracy.

Her son and close aides described the ruling as:

• “Unjust”

• “Illegitimate”

• “A dark day for Bangladesh’s democracy”

8. What Happens Next? (Analysis & Forecast)

Scenario 1: India Refuses Extradition

This is the most likely outcome.
It would:

• Strain Dhaka–Delhi relations

• Turn Hasina into a long-term political exile

• Strengthen Bangladeshi nationalist rhetoric against India

Scenario 2: Bangladesh Pushes International Pressure

Bangladesh may approach global forums, but extradition rules are more political than legal.

Scenario 3: Domestic Unrest Intensifies

The verdict may fuel:

• Student movements

• Pro-Hasina protests

• Fresh crackdowns

• Renewed civil strife

Scenario 4: Revision or Appeal of the Verdict

Hasina’s lawyers could challenge the conviction in Bangladeshi courts—if she ever returns.

Conclusion

Sheikh Hasina’s death sentence marks a seismic shift in Bangladeshi politics. From being one of the most dominant leaders in South Asia to becoming a political exile convicted of severe crimes, her rise and fall will be analysed for decades.

The ruling has:

• Divided the nation

• Triggered international debates

• Put India in a tight diplomatic spot

• Sparked fears of further instability

What comes next remains uncertain.

But one thing is clear: Bangladesh is standing at a crossroads—between justice and politics, accountability and revenge, rule of law and power struggles.