-
10:20
-
10:00
-
09:30
-
16:20
-
15:00
-
12:00
-
12:20
-
09:50
-
15:20
Follow us on Facebook
Bangladesh: Hasina sentenced to death over 2024 protest crackdown
Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death on Monday after a special tribunal found her guilty of crimes against humanity linked to the violent suppression of anti-government demonstrations in 2024.
According to court officials, the verdict follows months of hearings in which prosecutors accused Hasina’s government of using excessive force, including live ammunition and mass detentions, against protesters demanding her resignation. Human rights groups documented numerous cases of torture, enforced disappearances, and deadly clashes that left hundreds injured and dozens dead.
The ruling marks the most dramatic legal development in the country since Hasina was ousted in mid-2024 following weeks of unrest and the collapse of her political support. Her lawyers denounced the decision as politically motivated and announced they would file an appeal with the Supreme Court.
International reactions surfaced within hours. Several governments and rights organizations expressed concern over the severity of the ruling and urged Bangladesh to uphold due-process guarantees during the appeals process.
Hasina, who served several terms as prime minister, has been a dominant figure in Bangladeshi politics for decades. Critics accuse her of centralizing power and silencing dissent, while her supporters describe her as a stabilizing force who fostered economic growth.
The appeals process could take months, and it remains unclear whether the sentence will be carried out. Tensions in Dhaka and other major cities remain high, as authorities prepare for possible demonstrations in response to the verdict.