Executive summary: Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death by the country’s International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity related to a violent crackdown on protests last year. The verdict, delivered in absentia, concludes a highly watched trial that could reshape Bangladesh’s political landscape.
The International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka announced the death penalty for Sheikh Hasina on Monday, November 17, 2025, after convicting her of crimes against humanity. The tribunal found her guilty of orchestrating a brutal suppression of student-led demonstrations in 2024 that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,400 people. Hasina, who served as prime minister from 2009 until her ouster in 2024, was described as the “mastermind and principal architect” of the crackdown.
The charges against Hasina centered on her alleged orders to security forces to use lethal weapons against protesters during the mass uprising. The protests, which began as student-led movements demanding educational reforms, escalated into broader anti-government demonstrations, leading to a violent response from authorities. Human rights organizations had documented numerous incidents of excessive force, including shootings and arrests, during the period.
Sheikh Hasina, 78, has been a fugitive since leaving Bangladesh following the protests and her subsequent removal from power. She is believed to be residing abroad, though her exact location is unknown. The trial was conducted in absentia, meaning she was not present in court for the proceedings, and her legal representatives have the right to appeal the verdict to higher courts.
The sentencing marks a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s history, as it involves a former head of state being held accountable for human rights abuses. The International Crimes Tribunal was established under Hasina’s own government in 2010 to address crimes from the 1971 Liberation War, but its scope has expanded over time. Critics argue that the tribunal has been used for political purposes, while supporters see it as a mechanism for justice.
International reactions to the verdict are likely to be mixed, with some countries and organizations praising the pursuit of accountability, while others may question the fairness of the trial. Bangladesh’s current government, led by Hasina’s political opponents, has supported the tribunal’s work, but the decision could ignite further political instability or protests from her supporters.
Looking ahead, the case is expected to go through appeals processes, which could take months or years. If upheld, the death sentence would be a rare instance of a former prime minister facing execution in South Asia. The outcome may influence Bangladesh’s upcoming elections and its relations with international partners, particularly concerning human rights and rule of law.
