Bangladesh's Ousted Leader Sheikh Hasina Given to Capital Punishment

The ex-prime minister of Bangladesh has been sentenced to death for human rights violations due to her severe measures on student-led protests which resulted in her ousting.

Hasina was declared culpable of permitting fatal actions to be used against protesters, among whom around 1,400 people lost their lives during the unrest in the previous year.

The trial proceeded without her presence by the special international tribunal in Bangladesh, as she resides in exile in India after being removed from office in July 2024.

Prosecutors accused her of being behind hundreds of killings during the protests. Hasina has denied the entire case, describing the process as "prejudiced and driven by politics".

The verdict marks a decisive point for Bangladesh, as the protests brought forth resentment over years of repression. Families of those killed and wounded had called for strict sentences.

Reacting to the verdict in a five-page statement, Hasina said the death penalty was the temporary leadership's way of "nullifying [her party] the Awami League" as a governing body and that she was satisfied of her government's record on individual freedoms.

"I have no trepidation to face my accusers in a proper tribunal where the facts can be assessed and tested fairly."

The nation's capital, Dhaka, where the tribunal took place, was under increased safeguards prior to the verdict on Monday, with several of her detractors organizing a demonstration and applauding as the sentence was declared.

The capital witnessed a sudden increase in turmoil, with dozens of bombs exploded and coaches ignited in the time before the verdict.

A minimum of one detonation was noted in Dhaka on Monday morning, with no victims identified, local police official Jisanul Haque informed news organizations.

The protest movement led by students in the previous year started with calls to eliminate state employment quotas but evolved into a wider anti-government movement.

UN human rights investigators said in a report in February that the around 1,400 fatalities could constitute "human rights atrocities".

The paper detailed the shooting at point-blank range of some protesters, the deliberate maiming of further participants, unwarranted detentions and mistreatment.

Disclosed sound files of a telephone conversation involving Hasina confirmed by external reviews during the current year indicated she had approved the use of "fatal instruments" in July 2024. The audio was played in court during the trial.

Prior to the ruling, kin of those killed during the protests told news agencies they wanted Hasina to be punished severely.

Ramjan Ali, whose family member was fatally wounded in July 2024, said he wanted "strict sentence" for the former leader and associates who have "engaged in retaliatory actions and misused their authority".

Lucky Akther, whose spouse died near Dhaka in August 2024, said she wanted her penalty to be "executed before the election".

"Solely at that point the relatives of the deceased [in the protests] will obtain solace in their souls."

Following her removal, an interim government headed by economic expert Muhammad Yunus has assumed control. A parliamentary election is scheduled for February 2026.

Nevertheless, the Awami League, her political faction, was banned by Bangladesh's caretaker administration in May.

She alerted last month that if the her faction's nominees were banned from standing in the forthcoming vote, numerous would avoid the ballot.

The verdict now poses a international dilemma for the neighboring countries. Authorities have sought her repatriation but to date India has shown no willingness to comply.

Her officially designated attorney Mohammad Amir Hossain said he was "unhappy and desiring the verdict had been different".

"I even cannot appeal because my clients are absent; that's why I am sad," he continued.

Recently, Hasina's lawyers said they had lodged a prompt application to the UN pointing out significant due process and legal procedure concerns at the ICT.

Legal proceedings involved Hasina together with her ex-interior minister and top law enforcement officer.

Although the punishment grants partial finality to relatives of the deceased in the protests, it may do little to soothe the country's political divisions.

"The fury directed at Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League has not diminished," a Dhaka-based rights activist told news organizations. "Neither she nor the party has apologised or shown any remorse for the fatalities of countless citizens."

She said "This complicates matters for the organization to receive endorsement by a majority of people in this state."

The campaigner further stated that the sentence was not finality for the relatives of those killed and injured.

"We work with multiple individuals who underwent irreversible limb loss, they are now disabled, due to the crackdown. They are incapable of excusing her."

David Bergman, an observer of Bangladeshi affairs, said the "fundamental aspect of the condemnation could make it increasingly challenging" for her party to become a regular participant of the country's governance system again.

This could alter if "an expression of regret occurs and a separation from Hasina and the old leadership," he expressed.