DHAKA – A Bangladeshi court on Monday sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity. The historic verdict was broadcast on large screens across Dhaka, drawing anxious crowds in the capital.
The special tribunal accused Sheikh Hasina of being the “mastermind and principal architect” behind the violent suppression of student-led protests last year. The protests erupted over a controversial government job quota system and reportedly left around 1,400 people dead. Hasina, who is currently in India, was tried in absentia.
Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, confirmed that Sheikh Hasina is safe under Indian security protection. He warned that the ruling Awami League party plans mass protests in response to the verdict. With the party barred from participating in upcoming elections, the political situation in Bangladesh has entered uncharted territory.
Streets in Dhaka were largely empty, as residents followed a nationwide shutdown called by the Awami League. Authorities are bracing for potential unrest. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Chief Sheikh Mohammad Sazzat Ali confirmed that officers were instructed to take action against anyone attempting arson or attacking police.
Sheikh Hasina served as Bangladesh’s prime minister from 1996 to 2001 and again from 2009 to 2024, making her the country’s longest-serving leader and the world’s longest-serving female head of government. She is the daughter of Bangladesh’s founding president, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and emerged in politics after her father’s assassination in 1975.
During her tenure, Hasina led multiple election victories and played a key role in restoring parliamentary democracy in 1991. She also provided refuge to Rohingya refugees. However, her time in office faced criticism for allegations of authoritarianism, corruption, election fraud, and human rights abuses. Widespread protests in 2024 ultimately forced her resignation and exile to India.
In other news read more about Sheikh Hasina Verdict Expected Today Amid Rising Political Tensions in Bangladesh
The death sentence for Sheikh Hasina marks a turning point in Bangladesh’s political landscape, raising concerns about nationwide protests and uncertainty ahead of next year’s elections.
