Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to death, holding her responsible for the deadly state crackdown on student-led protests in 2024. The nationwide unrest left an estimated 1,400 people dead, many of them shot by security forces.
Hasina was tried in absentia, as she has been living in exile in India since her removal from office last year. Her conviction is now expected to create diplomatic pressure on New Delhi, although India is not expected to hand her over.
Before the ruling, Hasina dismissed the trial as politically driven, calling it a “kangaroo court.”
Following the verdict, authorities tightened security across the country amid fears of fresh unrest. Small protests broke out in several areas shortly after the news was announced.
