A Bangladeshi court is expected to announce its verdict today in the high‑profile crimes against humanity case against Sheikh Hasina, according to foreign media reports. The decision will be delivered under heavy security, as authorities tighten control around the courthouse and across Dhaka to prevent unrest.
Prosecutors have demanded the death penalty for Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of Bangladesh who was ousted last year. She is accused of ordering a deadly crackdown on protesters in 2024, during which an estimated 1,400 people were killed. The United Nations previously reported that thousands more were injured, mostly by gunfire from security forces.
Hasina’s son and adviser, Sajeeb Wazed, warned that supporters of the Awami League would block the national election scheduled for February if the ban on the party was not removed. He said that tensions could escalate and protests might turn violent. His remarks came a day before the court’s televised verdict, which is widely expected to convict his 78-year-old mother in absentia.
Sheikh Hasina has denied all allegations. She insists the case is politically driven, describing it as a “charade” meant to silence her and dismantle her party. Since August 2024, she has lived in exile in New Delhi, where she says she receives full security.
A spokesperson for the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, dismissed accusations of political motivation. The spokesperson said the court followed transparent procedures and allowed observers throughout the process.
Political violence has intensified ahead of the verdict. Several crude bombs exploded in Dhaka on Sunday, following more than 30 blasts reported on November 12.
Dozens of buses have also been set on fire. Security forces have deployed hundreds of Border Guards, tightened checkpoints, and restricted public gatherings to maintain order.
Wazed said he remains in contact with party workers in Bangladesh but has no communication with the interim government or the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. He warned that protests will continue and may grow larger in the coming days.
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Bangladesh, home to over 170 million people and one of the world’s largest garment exporters, is already facing economic strain due to last year’s unrest. With the verdict looming, the country remains on edge, awaiting a ruling that could further reshape its political landscape.
