🔗 Share this article The nation of Bangladesh's Former Leader Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Capital Punishment The former leader was convicted by a special court. The country's previous leader has been sentenced to death for human rights violations stemming from her severe measures on youth demonstrations which led to her ousting. The court convicted Sheikh Hasina of permitting fatal actions to be used against activists, among whom around 1,400 people died during the unrest last year. The trial proceeded while she was absent by the special international tribunal in Bangladesh, having been exiled in India following her ouster in July 2024. The prosecution alleged of being the mastermind of multiple fatalities during the protests. Hasina has denied all charges, describing the process as "prejudiced and driven by politics". Protesters battled the law enforcement during the 2024 protests in the capital. The decision signifies a pivotal moment for Bangladesh, as the protests brought forth resentment over extended periods of oppression. Next of kin of victims and harmed had called for severe punishments. Answering the judgment in a comprehensive declaration, Hasina said the death penalty was the temporary leadership's way of "nullifying [her party] the Awami League" as a governing body and that she was satisfied of her government's record on individual freedoms. "I have no trepidation to meet my challengers in a proper tribunal where the evidence can be weighed and reviewed impartially." Bangladesh's main city, Dhaka, where the court convened, was under increased safeguards before the decision on Monday, with several of her detractors holding a protest and applauding as the verdict was read. The city has seen a sudden increase in disturbances, with dozens of bombs exploded and public transport vehicles burned in the days leading up to the verdict. At least one bomb explosion was recorded in Dhaka on Monday morning, with no casualties reported, regional security representative the authorities' representative informed press agencies. The student-led uprising in the previous year commenced through calls to eliminate public sector reservation policies but evolved into a broader opposition campaign. United Nations rights examiners said in a report in February that the around 1,400 fatalities could amount to "crimes against humanity". The paper detailed the shooting at point-blank range of certain demonstrators, the purposeful disabling of additional individuals, unwarranted detentions and mistreatment. Disclosed sound files of a call made by the former leader confirmed by investigative sources during the current year suggested she had authorized the use of "deadly arms" in July 2024. The sound file was broadcast in court during the trial. Ahead of the verdict, relatives of those who died in the demonstrations informed media representatives they wanted strict consequences for Hasina. Ramjan Ali, whose brother was shot dead in July 2024, said he wanted "severe penalty" for the former leader and associates who have "engaged in retaliatory actions and misused their authority". Another relative, whose partner was fatally injured near Dhaka in August 2024, said she wanted the former leader's punishment to be "carried out before the election". "Exclusively thereafter the families of those killed [in the protests] will find peace in their souls." Following her removal, an temporary leadership headed by economist Muhammad Yunus has assumed control. A general election is planned for February 2026. Nonetheless, the her former political organization, her political faction, was prohibited by Bangladesh's caretaker administration in May. Hasina warned in the previous month that if the the League's representatives were prohibited from running in the imminent electoral process, millions would boycott the election. The judgment creates a international dilemma for both nations. Authorities have sought her extradition but to date India has shown no willingness to comply. Hasina's state-appointed lawyer the defense lawyer said he was "disappointed and hoping the decision had been otherwise". "I am unable to challenge because my defendants are not present; for that reason I am disheartened," he continued. The previous week, her legal team said they had filed an urgent appeal to the UN pointing out serious fair trial and judicial process problems at the ICT. Demonstrators stormed the former leader's residence in Bangladesh's main city in last year. Legal proceedings involved Hasina together with her former home minister and top law enforcement officer. While the sentence grants partial finality to kin of victims in the protests, it may have minimal effect on calming the country's political divisions. "The anger against the former leader and the the former ruling faction has not decreased," a civil liberties campaigner in Dhaka told media outlets. "Neither she nor the party has said sorry or demonstrated contrition for the killings of hundreds of people." The advocate declared "This creates challenges for the organization to receive endorsement by a bulk of the population in this country." The activist added that the punishment was not closure for the families of those killed and injured. "We assist several people who suffered permanent amputations, they are amputees now, as a result of the harsh measures. They cannot pardon her." A journalist, an observer of Bangladeshi affairs, said the "very nature of the conviction could make it even more difficult" for her party to become a normal feature of the country's governance system again. This could alter if "a form of contrition emerges and a distancing from Hasina and the former hierarchy," he stated.