Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity linked to the 2024 student-led protests that led to the fall of her Awami League government. Tried in absentia while living in exile in New Delhi, Hasina was found guilty of ordering mass killings and using excessive force against unarmed protesters. The tribunal also considered cases against her two aides, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty for all the accused. Ahead of the Sheikh Hasina verdict, security across Dhaka and the surrounding areas was significantly increased to prevent unrest.
BREAKING:
Bangladesh has handed former PM Sheikh Hasina a death sentence — found guilty of “crimes against humanity” linked to last year’s massive student uprising that ultimately pushed her out of power.
pic.twitter.com/RiCoxs0RIW pic.twitter.com/Kf7xgnVCvc— Mr. Shaz (@Wh_So_Serious) November 17, 2025
“Sheikh Mujibur Rahman ‘in connivance with a neighbouring country’ formed the Rakkhi Bahini to weaken and abolish our glorious army”
– #Bangladesh Int’l Crimes Tribunal at Sheikh Hasina verdict. Hasina has been found guilty by the current regime and Tribunal of Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/xyim9bDG0G
— Shreya Upadhyaya (@ShreyaOpines) November 17, 2025
Charges Against Sheikh Hasina
- Ordering mass killings of student protesters in Dhaka
- Murder of student activist Abu Sayed
- Using helicopters and drones to attack civilians
- Coordinating killings of demonstrators in Chankharpul
- Burning bodies in Ashulia to hide evidence
Sheikh Hasina Verdict
The trial included months of evidence and testimony regarding Hasina’s role in suppressing the protests. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, deployed police, paramilitary forces, and armed guards throughout Dhaka and its surrounding regions. Hasina’s supporters have warned of strikes, protests, and disruptions if the Awami League is restricted ahead of the February 2026 national elections.
Hasina has denied all charges, calling the trial a “jurisprudential joke.” The Sheikh Hasina verdict marks a major moment in Bangladesh’s politics, signalling accountability for human rights violations during the 2024 unrest.
It also raises tensions ahead of the February 2026 national elections as the country prepares for potential protests and political challenges.
