Bangladesh Tribunal Hands Down Death Sentence to Ex-PM Hasina Over Campus Unrest

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death following a high-profile trial accusing her of orchestrating a violent crackdown on a student-led protest movement last year.

The ruling was announced on Monday in Dhaka under heavy security. Hasina, who has been living in India since fleeing the country in August 2024, was tried in absentia.

According to the court, Hasina was found guilty on multiple counts of crimes against humanity and held responsible for the deaths of several demonstrators during the nationwide uprising. 

Alongside the death penalty, she also received a life sentence on additional charges tied to the unrest.

Witnesses inside the courtroom reported loud applause and cheers from some spectators after the verdict was read out.

Despite the tribunal’s decision, the case is not closed. 

The ruling is eligible for appeal before the Supreme Court.