Bangladesh Ousted PM Hasina Sentenced to Death Over Student Uprising Crackdown

DHAKA, Nov 17: A Bangladesh court sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death on Monday, concluding a months-long trial that found her guilty of ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising last year.

The ruling comes as Bangladesh continues to face political instability following Hasina’s flight to India in August 2024, during the height of nationwide protests that toppled her 15-year administration. The student-led uprising, which erupted in July 2024, reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 1,400 people.

Hasina, who now resides in India, condemned the verdict as “distasteful, biased, and politically motivated,” claiming the tribunal was “rigged” and orchestrated by an unelected government with no democratic mandate. She also called the trial an attempt to “scapegoat the Awami League” party.

Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal was also sentenced to death in absentia, while former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun received a five-year jail term for cooperating with prosecutors.

The tribunal, originally established in 2010 by Hasina’s own government to try war crimes from the 1971 Liberation War, has faced criticism from human rights organizations over procedural fairness and political influence.

Following Hasina’s ouster, an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took office, announcing that the first post-uprising elections will be held in February 2026. Yunus’ office described Monday’s ruling as “historic” and urged the public to maintain law and order.

Political analysts warn that the death sentences could heighten tensions ahead of the upcoming elections, with authorities pledging to enforce security measures across the country.