Bangladesh Court Hands Ex‑PM Sheikh Hasina Death Sentence

Advanced | November 25, 2025

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Bangladesh court sentences Sheikh Hasina: A Historic Verdict in Dhaka

On November 17, 2025, a three‑judge panel of the International Crimes Tribunal‑1 (Bangladesh) found former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced her to death in absentia. The case stems from a brutal crackdown on student‑led protests in 2024 that shook Bangladesh’s political foundation. This case, often referenced as when the Bangladesh court sentences Sheikh Hasina, marks a turning point. Reuters

What Happened During the Uprising

The student protests began in July 2024, triggered by reform demands and fueling nationwide unrest. Officials say the security forces used drones, helicopters and live weapons during the crackdown—accusations the tribunal accepted as evidence that Hasina “ordered” lethal force. Reuters

Hasina’s Response and International Concern

Hasina, who has been living in exile in India since August 2024, dismissed the trial as a “political charade” and refused to attend. Meanwhile the Bangladeshi government called on India to extradite her and other accused. The UN Human Rights Office acknowledged the verdict as significant for victims but repeated its opposition to capital punishment. (Financial Times)

Why the Bangladesh court sentences Sheikh Hasina verdict matters

This marks one of the rare instances where a former national leader is tried for crimes against humanity in her own country. With Bangladesh heading toward elections in February 2026, the case significantly alters the landscape and reinforces global attention on how the Bangladesh court sentences Sheikh Hasina impacts national stability. the political landscape—especially since Hasina’s party, the Awami League, has been banned from participating. Reuters

What Comes Next?

Security in Dhaka was tightened after the verdict, and unrest remains possible. The sentence cannot be carried out while Hasina remains abroad; she is currently in India and considered out of reach. The tribunal also sentenced former Interior Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death, while ex‑police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al‑Mamun avoided execution after cooperating with investigators. Financial Times

Vocabulary

Tribunal (noun) – a special court or panel that judges specific cases.
- Example: The tribunal reviewed evidence from the 2024 crackdown.
In absentia (adverb) – when someone is tried or convicted without being present.
- Example: Hasina was convicted in absentia.
Crackdown (noun) – a forceful effort to restrict or punish.
- Example: The crackdown on protests caused international concern.
Extradite (verb) – to hand someone over to another country for trial.
- Example: Bangladesh requested India extradite Hasina.
Sentence (verb) – to declare punishment after a conviction.
- Example: The court sentenced her to death.
Uprising (noun) – a rebellion or protest movement.
- Example: The 2024 uprising reshaped national politics.
Autocrat (noun) – a leader with absolute power.
- Example: Critics described Hasina as an autocrat.
Accountability (noun) – responsibility for decisions or actions.
- Example: Many saw the trial as a step toward accountability.
Precedent (noun) – an earlier event used as an example.
- Example: The case sets a precedent for prosecuting national leaders.
Instability (noun) – uncertainty or potential disorder.
- Example: The verdict may increase political instability.

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

Why did the tribunal pursue charges against a former Prime Minister?
What evidence did the court accept regarding the 2024 protests?
How did Hasina respond, and what does that signal about her position?
What political effects could this verdict have ahead of the 2026 election?
How has the international community reacted?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Should former leaders be legally accountable for actions during their term?
What challenges arise when political trials involve capital punishment?
How can justice systems stay neutral during political conflicts?
What role does public opinion play in high‑profile legal cases?
Can political unrest ever be resolved without legal accountability?

Related Idiom

“The writing’s on the wall” – the signs clearly show that something is about to happen.
Example: After months of unrest, the writing was on the wall for a major legal case.

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This article was inspired by: Reuters, Financial Times.