The International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh on Monday convicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of crimes against humanity and sentenced her to death. The verdict sparked large crowds both inside and outside the courtroom.
As the judge delivered the verdict, witnesses reported scenes of celebration, with people chanting “Hang Sheikh Hasina” both inside and outside the tribunal. According to the BBC, the moment the sentence was announced, large groups began cheering, though the court quickly requested decorum and asked attendees to maintain courtroom etiquette.
The presiding judge, Mohammad Golam Mortaza Majumdar, announced that the 453-page ruling had been divided into six parts. The decision was broadcast live on Bangladesh Television.
Background of the Charges
The prosecution had filed formal charges in June against Sheikh Hasina and two others, accusing them of five serious offenses. On the basis of these charges, the court also issued arrest warrants.
The charges stem from widespread violence during anti-government protests that took place across Bangladesh last year. According to the prosecution, these protests resulted in 1,400 deaths and left around 25,000 injured. A detailed list of victims was presented in court along with a 747-page document outlining the alleged crimes.
The five primary charges included murder, attempted murder, conspiracy, instigation, and aiding violence. Among the incidents included were the murder of 13 individuals.
Allegations of Incitement and Direct Involvement
According to the prosecution, while serving as Prime Minister on July 14, 2024, Sheikh Hasina made an inflammatory statement during a press conference, referring to student protesters as “descendants of Razakars.”
The term “Razakar” is historically used in Bangladesh to label traitors who collaborated with Pakistani forces during the 1971 Liberation War.
The charge sheet alleges that senior government officials, including Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, along with armed groups tied to the ruling Awami League and security agencies, orchestrated systematic attacks against unarmed students and civilians.
Specific incidents cited in the charges include:
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The murder of Abu Sayed, a student at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur
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The killing of six individuals at Chankhar Pul in Dhaka
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The shooting deaths of five people and burning alive of one at Ashulia on August 5
The tribunal’s verdict marks a historic moment in Bangladesh, though highly controversial, and is expected to evoke strong reactions both domestically and internationally.
