Bangladesh Tribunal Sentences Ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Death for 2024 Crackdown

Overview

• Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal found Hasina guilty of crimes against humanity, citing orders for lethal force and the use of drones and helicopters during the student-led unrest.
• The UN human-rights office has estimated up to about 1,400 deaths during the July–August 2024 protests and subsequent security response.
• The government formally requested from India the extradition of Hasina and former interior minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who was also sentenced to death in the case.
• India said it had taken note of the decision but did not indicate whether it would grant extradition as Hasina remains in exile there.
• Hasina rejected the judgment as politically motivated and can seek review by Bangladesh’s Supreme Court, while the interim administration under Muhammad Yunus urged calm and tightened security before February’s polls, from which the Awami League is barred.