In a landmark ruling, a special tribunal in Bangladesh has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death, finding her guilty of crimes against humanity. The verdict concludes a months-long trial centered on her role in last year’s violent crackdown against student protests.
According to the court, the attacks on demonstrators were “directed against the civilian population” and were “widespread and systematic.” The tribunal determined that Hasina, through “incitement orders,” bears responsibility for the killing and serious injury of protesters. It further ruled that she failed to take both preventive and punitive measures, amounting to a dereliction of duty under Charge 1.
Under Charge 2, the court found that Hasina ordered the deployment of drones, helicopters, and lethal weapons against unarmed students, constituting an additional count of crimes against humanity.
The tribunal’s decision marks one of the most serious legal judgments in Bangladesh’s recent political history, raising profound questions about accountability, governance, and the use of force against civilians.
