Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has been found guilty of crimes against humanity by the International Crimes Tribunal. This ruling comes after her government was accused of violently suppressing student protests that unfolded in August 2024. The protests resulted in significant loss of life and ultimately led to Hasina’s ouster and subsequent exile in India.
The panel of three judges issued their verdict on Monday, determining that Hasina incited a wave of extrajudicial killings during the protests. Prosecutors presented evidence that approximately 1,400 protestors were killed and up to 25,000 injured during weeks of unrest. The court found her guilty on five charges, which included inciting murder, ordering violent crackdowns on demonstrators, and directing law enforcement to use lethal force, including drones and helicopters.
Despite the serious nature of the charges, Hasina did not attend the court proceedings in Dhaka. She has consistently denied any wrongdoing and remains in self-imposed exile. Her legal team has expressed strong criticism of the trial, recently submitting an appeal to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary executions. They cited “serious concerns about the lack of fair trial rights and due process” during the hearings.
The repercussions of this verdict could be significant. Hasina ruled Bangladesh from 2009 until her ousting in 2024 with a firm grip on power, and the recent ruling may ignite political turmoil as the nation approaches national elections scheduled for February 2025. Observers fear that this development could lead to increased instability in the region.
As the court continues its proceedings, the final sentence for Hasina remains pending, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty for her alleged actions. The ramifications of this case extend beyond the courtroom, potentially influencing the political landscape of Bangladesh and the broader South Asian region.
This story is ongoing and further updates will follow as more information becomes available.
