International Outcry Follows Death Sentence for Sheikh Hasina

The International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh has sentenced Sheikh Hasina, the ousted former Prime Minister, to death in absentia for crimes against humanity. The ruling, announced on October 23, 2023, also applies to her former home minister, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. This verdict has drawn significant criticism from various human rights organizations, raising concerns about the fairness of the trial and the implications of capital punishment.

Amnesty International has called the trial flawed, with Secretary General Agnès Callamard stating, “This trial and sentence is neither fair nor just. Victims need justice and accountability, yet the death penalty simply compounds human rights violations.” Callamard emphasized the importance of conducting investigations into the alleged human rights abuses that occurred during the student-led protests in July and August 2024, which led to significant unrest and violence in the country.

The UN Human Rights Office has expressed regret over the imposition of the death penalty, which it opposes in all circumstances. Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani noted, “While we were not privy to the conduct of this trial, we have consistently advocated for all accountability proceedings to meet international standards of due process and fair trial.” The statement underscores the need for transparency, especially in trials conducted in absentia that lead to capital punishment.

Human Rights Watch highlighted a troubling pattern of politically motivated prosecutions in Bangladesh, particularly under Hasina’s leadership. The organization pointed out that authorities have a history of using the judiciary to target political opponents, which has raised alarm regarding the fairness of this and similar trials. The interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, is expected to oversee elections in February 2026, although Hasina’s Awami League party is barred from participating.

The protests that escalated in 2024, now referred to as the “July revolution,” initially focused on government job distribution but swiftly transformed into a broader call for regime change. Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for over 15 years, fled to India following a violent crackdown on dissent that resulted in approximately 1,400 deaths, as reported by a UN assessment.

On the day of the verdict, a crowd gathered outside the court, erupting in applause when the death sentence was pronounced. The court’s ruling, a lengthy 453-page document, was delivered by a panel of three judges, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder. Meanwhile, protests continued in Dhaka, where demonstrators attempted to march to Hasina’s family home in Dhanmondi 32. The property, once a museum, has been largely destroyed since her ousting.

As tensions escalated, police employed sound grenades and batons to disperse crowds, resulting in injuries on both sides. Witnesses reported that protesters hurled stones and bricks at law enforcement, who responded with significant force. Graffiti on the walls of the former home displayed messages targeting Hasina, reflecting the deep-seated anger towards her administration.

The ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh raises critical questions about the future of governance and justice in the country. As international scrutiny intensifies, the response from the interim government and the global community will likely shape the political landscape in the months leading up to the next elections.