Bangladesh Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Found Guilty of Crimes Against Humanity

Agencies, Dhaka, November 17, 2025: In a landmark ruling, a special tribunal in Dhaka has found Bangladesh's former Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, guilty of crimes against humanity in connection with her violent crackdown on student-led protests last year. The tribunal’s decision, delivered in absentia, accuses Hasina of being the principal architect behind the violent suppression of the protests, during which an estimated 1,400 people lost their lives. The charges are linked to Hasina's response to mass demonstrations triggered by a controversial quota system for government jobs, which saw widespread unrest.

The tribunal, a part of Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), has yet to pronounce its sentence but has already indicated that the death penalty could be a likely outcome, with prosecutors calling for the harshest punishment for Hasina. Alongside Hasina, the tribunal also found two of her aides—former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Police Chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun—guilty of similar charges related to the crackdown. While Kamal and Mamun faced the tribunal in person, Hasina has been living in exile in India for several years and has not participated in the trial.

The verdict comes after months of testimony, during which the prosecution presented evidence that Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for over 15 years, was responsible for ordering the use of drones, helicopters, and lethal weapons against protesters. The tribunal specifically accused Hasina of failing to prevent the deaths of thousands and inciting violence during the protests. Despite the gravity of the charges, Hasina has repeatedly dismissed the trial as a "kangaroo court" and has vehemently denied the allegations, calling the proceedings a "jurisprudential joke."

In the wake of the tribunal’s ruling, tensions have escalated across Bangladesh, with security forces stepping up their presence in Dhaka and other major cities. The government has reinforced security measures, deploying soldiers and setting up checkpoints across key areas. In the capital, Dhaka, protests broke out near the property associated with Hasina’s family, resulting in clashes with police. Authorities used stun grenades to disperse crowds, and several Awami League leaders and activists were arrested in connection with the protests.

The political climate in Bangladesh has been volatile for months, with widespread unrest and violence impacting preparations for the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 2026. The country has seen significant turmoil since Hasina was ousted from office, and the verdict against her is expected to intensify political divisions. The government, led by an interim administration under President Muhammad Yunus, has been accused of cracking down on opposition leaders and activists, especially those affiliated with Hasina’s Awami League party.

The exiled former Prime Minister’s trial has placed India in a difficult position, as Bangladesh has requested her extradition following the court's ruling. However, given the diplomatic complexities between the two countries, it is unlikely that India will comply with the request. Hasina’s supporters argue that the trial was politically motivated, and many view the verdict as part of a broader attempt to undermine her legacy.

The international community has also taken note of the developments. The United Nations, which had earlier condemned the violence against protesters, has called for a thorough investigation into the events that led to the deaths of over 1,000 people during the crackdown. In the aftermath of the verdict, the Bangladesh government has called for calm, urging citizens to refrain from violence and respect the rule of law.

As the verdict continues to unfold, there are concerns that the situation may escalate further, with more protests expected in the coming days. The next steps in the trial will be critical, as the tribunal prepares to issue sentences for the convicted individuals, including the possibility of death sentences, and political tensions continue to rise ahead of the 2026 elections.