Bangladesh Court Issues Death Sentence to Former PM for Last Year’s Uprising Crackdown

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Bangladesh Court Issues Death Sentence to Former PM for Last Year’s Uprising Crackdown

In a significant ruling, a Bangladesh court sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for her role in the violent suppression of a student-led uprising last year. This verdict comes at the end of a trial that lasted several months, leading to her conviction on charges of crimes against humanity.

Crackdown on Protesters

The court found that Hasina had ordered security forces to respond violently to protests that erupted in mid-2023. According to prosecutors, this order resulted in hundreds of deaths, primarily among young demonstrators. A report from the United Nations stated that approximately 1,400 lives were lost during the peak of the protests between July 15 and August 5, 2023, with a significant number killed by Bangladesh’s security personnel.

Current Situation and Exile

Sheikh Hasina, who has been in exile in New Delhi since August 2024 after ruling Bangladesh for 15 years, denies all charges against her. In a statement, she described the trial as politically motivated. Hasina claimed that she did not authorise any orders for the use of lethal force against protesters.

Political Tensions in Bangladesh

Political unrest continues to resonate throughout the country. Following the announcement of the verdict, Bangladesh experienced a surge in bombings and arson incidents linked to protests organized by Hasina’s now-banned Awami League party. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has implemented heightened security measures in the capital, Dhaka, as tensions escalate.

Legal Proceedings and Possible Extradition

The tribunal’s verdict is not the end of the legal journey for Hasina. She retains the right to appeal the decision in the appellate division of the Supreme Court, indicating potential delays in the ultimate resolution of her case. Meanwhile, the interim government of Bangladesh has formally requested her extradition from India, where she currently resides. However, India has not yet responded to this request.

Future of Bengali Democracy

As political uncertainty looms, Yunus faces challenges in stabilizing the nation over a year into his transitional leadership. He has promised elections and constitutional reforms by February, though Hasina claims that the ban on her party from participating in these elections disenfranchises voters. She warns that historical patterns suggest voters may abstain entirely when deprived of choice.