Bangladesh's ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death for ordering a deadly crackdown on student protesters last year, according to a verdict delivered by the country's domestic war crimes court. The guilty verdict comes amid tight security and in Hasina's absence, as she fled to India in August 2024.
The highly anticipated ruling was broadcast live on national television, just days ahead of Bangladesh's first polls since her ouster. The International Crimes Tribunal found that all elements constituting crimes against humanity had been fulfilled, according to Judge Golam Mortuza Mozumder.
Hasina's office has dismissed the accusations as "biased and politically motivated", with the deposed leader stating she is not afraid of facing her accusers in a fair trial. However, Hasina's son and adviser Sajeeb Wazed hinted at an appeal unless a democratically elected government comes to power.
The verdict may fuel fresh unrest ahead of February polls, as the Awami League party has been barred from contesting elections. The violence during protests between July 15 and August 5, 2024, resulted in up to 1,400 deaths and thousands more injuries.
Prosecutors presented evidence that showed Hasina's direct involvement in ordering lethal force against protesters. Her defence team maintained the charges were baseless and pleaded for her acquittal. Despite this, Bangladesh remains on edge as at least 30 crude bomb explosions and 26 vehicles torched across the country over the past few days.
A guilty verdict has been seen as a foregone conclusion by many, with some fearing it may lead to further instability in the already tense political climate of Bangladesh.
The highly anticipated ruling was broadcast live on national television, just days ahead of Bangladesh's first polls since her ouster. The International Crimes Tribunal found that all elements constituting crimes against humanity had been fulfilled, according to Judge Golam Mortuza Mozumder.
Hasina's office has dismissed the accusations as "biased and politically motivated", with the deposed leader stating she is not afraid of facing her accusers in a fair trial. However, Hasina's son and adviser Sajeeb Wazed hinted at an appeal unless a democratically elected government comes to power.
The verdict may fuel fresh unrest ahead of February polls, as the Awami League party has been barred from contesting elections. The violence during protests between July 15 and August 5, 2024, resulted in up to 1,400 deaths and thousands more injuries.
Prosecutors presented evidence that showed Hasina's direct involvement in ordering lethal force against protesters. Her defence team maintained the charges were baseless and pleaded for her acquittal. Despite this, Bangladesh remains on edge as at least 30 crude bomb explosions and 26 vehicles torched across the country over the past few days.
A guilty verdict has been seen as a foregone conclusion by many, with some fearing it may lead to further instability in the already tense political climate of Bangladesh.
i mean we all know how that situation went down - up to 1,400 deaths and thousands injured... it's like they're saying let's just move forward with the verdict without any accountability for those responsible. what's next is anyone's guess 
and this comes at a time when bangladesh is already gearing up for polls and a new gov't taking shape 
hopefully someone will come through and address these human rights concerns...
. The whole thing with Sheikh Hasina and the student protesters is just really messed up 
. I mean, who orders a deadly crackdown on peaceful protesters? It doesn't make sense to me 
. Now that she's been sentenced to death, it's gonna be super tough for her son Sajeeb Wazed to even try and appeal the verdict unless there's a new government in power #JusticeForSheikhHasina #BangladeshUnrest
. The protests back in July were already intense, but now with this verdict, it's like the whole country is on edge 
. I hope people just calm down and let the process work out peacefully 
. But at the same time, if a democratically elected government doesn't come into power soon, things could get even worse #BangladeshElections #HopeForTheCountry
Like what, death is just a casual penalty for ordering a massive massacre? 1,400 dead and thousands more injured... sounds like a Tuesday morning commute for Hasina's defense team 
. Can't say I'm surprised the verdict was pre-decided by the court – Bangladesh's domestic war crimes tribunal has been in existence since 2012, so it's not like they're exactly known for being impartial 
. The question is, what's next? Will Sajeeb Wazed take a page out of his mum's book and start carrying a "I'm with stupid" sign to court? 
. The idea that a leader can be held accountable for their actions during a time of unrest is really important, but the fact that it took this long and has caused so much more chaos is just... I don't know, it's like the country is still reeling from the aftermath of last year's protests 
. It makes me wonder how a democratically elected government can form when there are so many unanswered questions about what happened during that time period 
. The fact that her son is hinting at an appeal unless the opposition comes to power just adds more uncertainty to the situation 
. I hope Bangladesh can find a way to heal and move forward soon 
. But what really gets me is how the gov't is handling it - they're trying to downplay it and say its biased but im not buying it 
, this is like a ticking time bomb waiting to go off 
I think its all about who's in power and who's gonna benefit from the situation. Bangladesh needs stability, but how can they trust the gov if one of their top people gets sentenced to death for doing what they thought was right? 
.
. Bangladesh needs stability and justice now, not this sense of uncertainty 
.
The thought of Sheikh Hasina facing death for her alleged role in ordering that deadly crackdown on student protesters last year is just too much 
. Will it fuel more unrest and protests? 
The way things are going on, I fear for the future of Bangladesh... it's too much drama