A special court sentencing of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death in absentia has created one of the most dramatic and consequential political moments in modern Bangladeshi history. The verdict, which was delivered for crimes against humanity linked to the deadly 2024 student uprising crackdown, sent shockwaves throughout the nation and the international community. It marks an unprecedented turn in the political saga of a leader who dominated Bangladeshi politics for over a decade and a half.
Background: A Leader Who Defined an Era
She is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding leader of the nation, and has led Bangladesh for 15 continuous years, from 2009 until 2024, becoming one of the longest-serving leaders in South Asia. Her rule was marked by rapid economic growth, an expansion in infrastructure, and strong international diplomacy. However, her tenure was equally marred by accusations of authoritarianism, human rights abuses, suppression of the opposition, and restrictions on the press.
Public frustration, especially among the youth and university students, peaked by 2023–24. An increase in unemployment, corruption in public institutions, and a quota reform policy led to widespread demonstrations across Bangladesh. What started out as peaceful demonstrations by university students quickly spread into the largest political movement seen within the country in decades.
The 2024 Student Uprising and Violent Crackdown
Hundreds of thousands of students took to the streets in mid-2024 in Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, and Sylhet and other major cities of Bangladesh, calling for reform, justice, and accountability. As the movement gathered momentum, the government turned to force.
The United Nations estimated that as many as 1,400 people had been killed in the state-led crackdown, while thousands more were injured or detained. Human rights groups accused the government of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, unlawful arrests, and armed clashes that disproportionately targeted unarmed civilians.
The world watched as Bangladesh spiraled into violence and unrest. Facing immense domestic pressure, with a collapsing political base, Sheikh Hasina reportedly fled the country to India in August 2024.
Her departure closed a long chapter of dominance by the Awami League but opened a new era of uncertainty.
The Interim Government and the Case Against Hasina
After she left, Bangladesh formed a caretaker government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who had been in constant conflict with Hasina’s government for years. Yunus promised reforms, the restoration of democratic order, and justice for victims of state violence.
In fact, one of the top priorities in the interim government was to investigate the events of 2024. A special tribunal was set up for an investigation of human rights violations during the crackdown. Former top officials were arrested and charged, including Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and Former Police Chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.
The case against Hasina accused her of ordering lethal force against civilian protesters, authorizing mass arrests, and enabling security agencies to commit widespread abuses.
The Verdict: Death Sentence in Absentia
On Monday, Bangladesh’s special tribunal delivered its highly anticipated verdict: It sentenced Sheikh Hasina, along with Kamal and Al-Mamun, to death. The court ruled that the government’s response to the student movement constituted crimes against humanity under international law.
Hasina, who is still believed to be in India, promptly denounced the ruling as “politically motivated revenge.” Her party, the Awami League, also rejected the verdict as unconstitutional and a threat to political stability.
However, the judgment was welcomed by supporters of the student movement and victims’ families, and they called it long-awaited justice for those who lost their lives.
Bangladesh on High Alert
After the announcement, Bangladesh tightened up security; armed forces, police, and rapid action battalions were deployed in major urban areas of Bangladesh to avert unrest or retaliation from Awami League supporters. Public gatherings have been temporarily restricted, and intelligence agencies are monitoring all political activities closely.
The streets of Dhaka remained tense as citizens absorbed the gravity of the situation. While many expressed relief at the judgment, others feared it might deepen political divides or trigger new waves of instability.
Regional and International Implications
The verdict has highly significant implications for South Asia, particularly Bangladesh’s relations with India: Hasina had long been considered one of India’s staunchest allies in the region. Hasina’s presence on Indian soil, combined with a death sentence issued by Bangladesh, could strain diplomatic relations.
Statements from international organizations, including the United Nations and major human rights groups, are expected in the coming days. While many welcomed accountability, others were more cautious toward the use of capital punishment, urging Bangladesh to ensure the fairness and transparency of the judiciary.
What Comes Next?
The verdict marked a milestone. Now, Bangladesh faces a number of challenges:
Maintaining stability while the political forces readjust to the new landscape.
Managing international pressure regarding human rights and legal procedures
Addressing the grievances of the youth who triggered the change
Rebuilding democratic institutions weakened after years of political polarization. The future is still uncertain for Sheikh Hasina. Whether she seeks asylum, fights the case through international courts, or attempts a political comeback from abroad remains to be seen. For Bangladesh, however, one thing is clear: the country stands at a crossroads. The decisions made in the following weeks will shape its political destiny for years to come.
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