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

Overview

• The International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka delivered the verdict under heavy security in Hasina’s absence as she remains in India.
• Prosecutors told the court they found evidence that Hasina ordered the use of lethal force during the July–August 2024 unrest, which the judge deemed crimes against humanity.
• Reported death tolls from the protests vary widely, with a UN report citing up to about 1,400 fatalities while other coverage reports more than 450.
• Hasina can appeal to Bangladesh’s Supreme Court, though her son Sajeeb Wazed told Reuters they would not pursue an appeal unless a democratically elected government takes power with Awami League participation.
• The decision has raised concerns of renewed instability as the country approaches national voting in February.