Bangladesh Court Sentences Former PM Sheikh Hasina to Death Over Student Protests; Former Home Minister Also Penalized

Dhaka: In a historic and unprecedented verdict, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death, along with former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, for alleged crimes against humanity linked to the anti-reservation student protests of July–August 2024. Former Police Chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun was also found culpable, receiving varying sentences in related cases.

Court Findings

The ICT, presided over by Justice Ghulam Mortuza Mojumdar, concluded that Sheikh Hasina, Kamal, and Al-Mamun were responsible for orchestrating violent crackdowns against student demonstrators. According to the court, Hasina issued orders for lethal force, including the use of helicopters and drones, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,400 protesters, including women and children.

The tribunal found that Hasina personally supervised and directed the attacks. She reportedly threatened Dhaka University officials, instructing them to treat the protesters as enemies, similar to historical executions, and allegedly ordered hospitals not to treat injured demonstrators. Doctors who provided care were reportedly transferred immediately.

Evidence and Charges

Prosecutors presented an 8,747-page charge sheet, including victim statements, seized evidence, and detailed victim lists. The court determined that the former PM’s speeches, particularly one on 14 July 2024 at Ganabhaban, incited violence, after which law enforcement and ruling party operatives carried out coordinated attacks on students and civilians.

The ICT also examined whether Hasina, Kamal, and Al-Mamun actively incited, supported, or permitted these actions, and whether they failed to prevent or punish acts of killing, attempted murder, and torture. The court concluded that all three were culpable under charges of crimes against humanity.

Sentences

• Sheikh Hasina: Death sentence for orchestrating and authorizing lethal attacks on protesters.
• Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal (Former Home Minister): Death sentence for his role in transmitting and implementing orders to use deadly force.
• Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun (Former Police Chief): Pardoned in one case for cooperating as a government witness, but sentenced to five years’ imprisonment in another related case.

Significance

This ruling marks the first time in Bangladesh’s history that a former head of government has been sentenced for crimes of this nature. The verdict comes amid political tensions, with the interim government led by Dr. Mohammad Yunus previously barring Hasina’s Awami League from contesting elections. Observers note that the sentence could effectively block her political comeback.

The tribunal emphasized that the orders given to suppress the protests involved coordinated attacks, including shootings, the use of heavy artillery, and other lethal means, directly resulting in widespread civilian casualties. The court also highlighted that the attacks were carefully planned and that Hasina and her associates remained fully aware of the consequences of their directives.