Dhaka’s International Crimes Tribunal sentenced former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to death on 17 November after convicting her of crimes against humanity linked to the 2024 protest crackdown. UN human rights investigators estimate up to 1,400 people were killed during the unrest. Hasina, now in India, denies the charges.
The three‑judge bench found Hasina guilty on counts including incitement, ordering the use of lethal force - including drones and helicopters - and failure to prevent killings at defined protest sites. Former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan also received a death sentence, while ex‑police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al‑Mamun was jailed for five years after cooperating with prosecutors. The court also directed compensation for victims and the wounded.
Responding from exile, Hasina called the tribunal “rigged” and “politically motivated”, insisting she never ordered fire on unarmed civilians and urging that the ban on her Awami League be lifted before the next election. Her party reiterated that position in statements released after the judgment.
Under Bangladesh’s International Crimes (Tribunals) Act 1973, a convicted person may appeal to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court within 30 days. Prosecutors said fugitives must first surrender in Bangladesh before any appeal can be lodged; otherwise no appeal lies.
The prosecution case relied heavily on a 18 July 2024 phone recording, authenticated by BBC Eye and Bangladesh Police CID, in which a voice attributed to Hasina tells aides to “use lethal weapons” and to “shoot wherever they find” protesters. In July, the tribunal separately imposed a six‑month contempt sentence on Hasina tied to leaked audio. She disputes the recording and its interpretation.
The UN Human Rights Office reported a pattern of systematic repression during the July–August 2024 protests, with up to 1,400 deaths - most by live fire from security forces - and said the conduct may amount to crimes against humanity requiring further criminal investigation. The United States had earlier sanctioned the Rapid Action Battalion in 2021 over serious abuses.
The protests began over civil‑service job quotas and escalated under curfew, an internet shutdown and “shoot‑on‑sight” orders. On 5 August 2024, Hasina left Dhaka by helicopter amid surging unrest and later arrived in India, according to multiple reports.
Since August 2024, Bangladesh has been administered by an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. In May 2025 the authorities temporarily banned all activities of the Awami League under the Anti‑Terrorism Act, and the Election Commission suspended the party’s registration pending tribunal proceedings.
The interim leadership has set a general election window for February 2026, advancing an earlier April timetable after political parties pressed for an earlier poll. Preparations are ongoing under the Election Commission.
Hasina remains in India. Bangladesh formally requested her extradition in December 2024; India acknowledged receipt but has not acted publicly. The 2013 India–Bangladesh extradition treaty contains a political‑offence exception (Article 6), and experts note further refusal grounds under Articles 7–8.
Bangladesh is a State Party to the Rome Statute; international courts cannot impose capital punishment - Article 77 limits penalties to terms of imprisonment - though national courts may retain the death penalty. Rights groups have urged a moratorium and strict fair‑trial safeguards in capital cases.
Next steps hinge on whether Hasina surrenders to enable an appeal and on any renewed extradition move. Prosecutors indicated they would seek fresh Interpol notices after the verdict, while police maintained heightened security in Dhaka following demonstrations around the court.