A Bangladesh war crimes court today sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death. Judges found her guilty of crimes against humanity. They ruled that she ordered a deadly crackdown on student led protests in 2024. This decision came in her absence; she lives in exile in India.
The court convicted two former officials alongside her, who directed the brutal response that killed hundreds of protesters. Authorities now seek her extradition to carry out the sentence.
Roots of the Unrest
Demonstrations over government job quotas shook Bangladesh last year, with students at the forefront, demanding equal opportunities. However, the demonstrations were met with violence, live ammunition, and tear gas by security forces.
Consequently the conflicts quickly turned violent. Protestors clashed with police in main cities like Dhaka. The government imposed curfews, but the unrest compelled Hasina to resign and flee the country.
Trial and Exile
Prosecutors presented evidence of her direct involvement in the suppression. Witnesses testified about orders from her office that led to widespread deaths.
Meanwhile Hasina has denied all charges from her exile in India on political grounds. Yet the court dismissed her defenses and issued the death penalty.
Global Reactions and Future Consequences
World leaders expressed concerns over the verdict. Human rights groups welcomed accountability and called for fair trials. There was celebration among supporters and fears of instability by opponents in Bangladesh.
Moreover this judgment symbolizes a political turn for the entire nation. The interim government has promised to bring justice to the victims. But extradition battles with India can delay the process and deteriorate relations.
The sentence suggests that there were demands for reform after authoritarian rule for years. Bangladesh now charts a course toward healing and democracy.
