Former Prime Minister Denounces Verdict as Politically Driven
The conviction of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for crimes against humanity has triggered intense political unrest across the country. The International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh announced a death sentence for Hasina after finding her guilty in a case related to the violent crackdown on student protesters during the final months of her administration in 2024.
Hasina, currently staying in India, rejected the ruling and described the tribunal as a political instrument created to suppress the Awami League. She insisted that the trial lacked fairness and transparency and called for an international review under a globally recognized judicial forum. Her statement accused the interim government of using accountability as a cover for political punishment.
Charges and Tribunal Proceedings
The tribunal found Hasina responsible for ordering or allowing security forces to use excessive force during the student uprising that played a major role in removing her government from power. The court also held former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun liable for failing to prevent violent action by the forces under their command.
Security was tightened across major cities as the verdict was read on live television. Sporadic clashes and crude bomb attacks were reported in Dhaka after the announcement. Witness testimonies presented during the trial included accounts of gunfire injuries, assault by police units and destruction of homes belonging to opposition supporters.
Divided Political Response
The verdict has deepened the political divide in Bangladesh. Awami League leaders dismissed the ruling as an attempt to rewrite the events of 2024 and erase the party from the political environment. Protests erupted in several districts, with leaders warning that the sentence could ignite prolonged instability.
Opposition factions welcomed the decision, describing it as long awaited justice for the victims of state violence. However, rights groups warned that selective prosecution and political bias could erode the credibility of the tribunal. Analysts noted that the tribunal was originally revived by Hasina’s own government to address crimes from the 1971 war, which makes the current proceedings especially controversial.
Human Rights and Global Reactions
International observers expressed concern about the fairness of the trial and the severity of the sentence. Human Rights Watch urged Bangladeshi authorities to allow an appeal and to consider a fresh evaluation of the evidence under internationally recognized standards. Legal experts in the country also raised questions about the investigation quality, with the Supreme Court highlighting gaps in the prosecution’s evidence in earlier hearings.
Governments in South Asia and Western capitals are expected to release formal statements as they assess the political and humanitarian implications of the ruling. The verdict arrives at a time when Bangladesh faces rising tension, economic pressures and an increasingly polarized population.
Possible Path Ahead for Bangladesh
Growing Risk of Unrest
Large scale demonstrations may follow the verdict as political forces mobilize supporters. Analysts fear the situation could escalate if street protests meet resistance from security forces.
Concerns for Democratic Credibility
Critics argue that using a war crimes tribunal to address recent political events could undermine belief in both democratic processes and long term accountability structures.
International Mediation Hasina’s call for review by a neutral global institution suggests the issue may reach foreign courts or multilateral bodies. Such involvement could shape Bangladesh’s political direction over the coming year.
