Bangladesh’s Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death
November 17, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
special tribunal in Bangladesh has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death in absentia, finding her guilty of crimes against humanity in connection with a violent crackdown on student protests in 2024.
The three‑judge panel of the International Crimes Tribunal‑1 (ICT‑1) delivered the verdict on November 17, 2025. Hasina, 78, is currently in exile in India after fleeing Bangladesh amid nationwide protests that led to her ouster.
The court convicted her of multiple charges, including ordering killings, incitement, and failing to prevent mass atrocities. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty for the killing of over 1,400 people during the student-led uprising. In addition to the death sentence, Hasina received a life sentence for other charges.
Hasina has denounced the trial as politically motivated. Her former party, the Awami League, also criticized the proceedings. The interim Bangladeshi government has requested India to extradite her so the sentence can be enforced.
Human rights groups have expressed concern over the fairness of the trial and the use of the death penalty. Security measures were heightened in Dhaka ahead of the verdict.
