In a historic event, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) to be executed for crimes against humanity over the 2024 student protests. The sentence represents a major shift in Bangladesh politics that now has the eyes of the world on the events that overtook her 15-year term.
Tried in Absentia After Seeking Asylum in India
Hasina had resided in India following the collapse of her government in August 2024, when she was tried in absentia. Did the tribunal find her guilty on several counts of providing orders to use lethal force against unarmed students, deploying aerial attacks through drones and helicopters, directing elite forces to fire on protestors, and due to inflammatory statements made publicly?
The protests began over a quota reform disagreement but quickly emerged as a nationwide movement that ended with hundreds of deaths and international human rights organisations questioning the action of the Hasina government.
Charges that Resulted in the Death Penalty
The tribunal’s 450-page decision presents claims of:
- Organising mass executions during the protests from July to August 2024.
- Authorising aerial reconnaissance, drones, and helicopters to clear students’ protests.
- Involvement in the assassination of activist Abu Sayed, a notable leader of the movement.
- Employment of state power to eliminate evidence and suppress dissent.
Facilitating the inhumane beatings of civilians with the assistance of former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who are co-defendants in the case, while Al-Mamun is a witness for the state.
The tribunal concludes that Hasina “merits the ultimate punishment for choosing violence instead of dialogue,” which has become a widely circulated statement in the nation.
The Trial and the Accused, Politically
The televised, high-profile trial was open to the public and conducted under an unusual security detail. Subsequently, the banned Awami League has called for a general shutdown that concluded with disruption and feuding in various districts.
The proponents of Hasina contend that the trial was politically motivated, whereas the tribunal claims that the trial was conducted with the utmost deference to international standards of due process and law.
The judgment is subject to a Supreme Court appeal in Bangladesh, but Hasina is in exile in India. Similarly, her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, gave a cautious statement that the family will only consider an appeal if the Awami League will be assured participation in a future democratic process.
In the meantime, Dhaka and major cities have increased security in order to prevent unrest.
International Response Begins to Build
International human rights organisations and foreign governments are tracking the developments. A number of human rights organisations have announced they want transparency in the appeals process, and regional diplomatic channels are discreetly weighing the broader implications for stability in South Asia.
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