Bangladesh has escalated its security measures ahead of a verdict in a war crimes trial against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The 78-year-old leader, who currently resides in exile in India, stands accused of committing crimes against humanity during the 2024 crackdown on student-led protests that claimed hundreds of lives.
As rival factions anticipate the ruling of the special tribunal, security forces have intensified their presence across the country, particularly in Dhaka's capital city. The authorities are bracing for potential violence amidst the ongoing political turmoil and an upcoming election scheduled to take place in February 2026.
The prosecution has filed five charges against Hasina, including failure to prevent murder, which it claims amount to crimes against humanity under Bangladeshi law. Prosecutors have presented evidence of secret phone calls in which Hasina allegedly ordered her officials to use lethal force against protesters, with one recording featuring her instructing authorities to "shoot wherever they find them."
In response to the allegations, Hasina has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and portrayed the trial as a political vendetta. The former leader's Awami League party has described the tribunal as a "kangaroo court" and called for nationwide protests.
The verdict is seen by many as a turning point in Bangladesh's tumultuous politics, with widespread implications for the country's future.
As rival factions anticipate the ruling of the special tribunal, security forces have intensified their presence across the country, particularly in Dhaka's capital city. The authorities are bracing for potential violence amidst the ongoing political turmoil and an upcoming election scheduled to take place in February 2026.
The prosecution has filed five charges against Hasina, including failure to prevent murder, which it claims amount to crimes against humanity under Bangladeshi law. Prosecutors have presented evidence of secret phone calls in which Hasina allegedly ordered her officials to use lethal force against protesters, with one recording featuring her instructing authorities to "shoot wherever they find them."
In response to the allegations, Hasina has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and portrayed the trial as a political vendetta. The former leader's Awami League party has described the tribunal as a "kangaroo court" and called for nationwide protests.
The verdict is seen by many as a turning point in Bangladesh's tumultuous politics, with widespread implications for the country's future.
this trial feels super fishy to me... like how can one person be so guilty of crimes against humanity? I mean we all know leaders are gonna do shady stuff, but she's been out of power for years now 
. The prosecution is really milking this for all it's worth - those secret phone calls? seems like a pretty low bar to get convicted over 
. 
. Bangladesh has had its fair share of corruption and human rights abuses... when does accountability ever really kick in? 
they're ratcheting up security measures left and right and it feels like a powder keg waiting to happen...i mean, i get that she's a high-profile target but all these allegations against her are super serious. 5 charges of crimes against humanity? that's no joke. i'm rooting for the prosecution to bring out some solid evidence, but at the same time, it feels like a trial by media already. what's gonna happen if there's unrest or even violence? 
the world is watching, and i don't want anyone to get hurt 
. I mean, a war crimes trial against Sheikh Hasina is already pretty intense, but the fact that security forces are getting all paranoid just ahead of the verdict? 
That's not good at all.
. And meanwhile, Hasina is still denying any wrongdoing and calling the trial a political vendetta 
. It feels like the country is stuck in this cycle of violence and unrest, and it's hard to see how they're gonna break free from that 
.
. Can't help but wonder what her side of the story really is. I feel for her if she's being framed, but at the same time, if there's evidence pointing to war crimes... that's some heavy stuff 
.
. Hopefully it all gets resolved soon without any major incidents. But one thing's for sure - Bangladesh is going to be watching its leader closely from now on 
.
I feel bad for Sheikh Hasina though, she's like 78 and should've retired already! The thought of her being accused of crimes against humanity just shocks me 
. As a parent, it's hard not to worry about the impact this verdict could have on your children's future 
... what kind of message is this sending about accountability and justice? 
. As Bangladesh moves towards an election in 2026, this verdict could be a game-changer - either it'll bring some much-needed justice or just spark more unrest 
. Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: Bangladesh will come out of this with a newfound sense of accountability and transparency 
. can't these people just resolve their issues peacefully? and 78 years old, really? doesn't she have a nap schedule or something? 
. and nationwide protests? aren't they worried that people will just get hurt in the crossfire? 
. fingers crossed for a peaceful outcome
. what do you guys think though? do you think justice will be served or is this just another case of a corrupt system