Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal on Monday sentenced former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to death after finding her guilty of alleged crimes against humanity during the student-led uprising of August 2024, which ultimately brought down her Awami League government.
The three-member tribunal ruled that Hasina had ordered violent action against thousands of protesting students and interfered with justice at the height of the nationwide agitation. Two of her close aides, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, were also convicted on similar charges, though Al-Mamun was spared the death penalty after turning state witness.
According to the verdict, Hasina authorised the use of helicopters, drones, and lethal weapons to disperse and target protesters. The court stated that an authenticated audio recording of her alleged conversation with the mayor of South Dhaka Municipal Corporation revealed these directives.
The tribunal also cited evidence of a separate conversation with the Dhaka University vice chancellor, in which Hasina reportedly ordered action that resulted in the killing of student demonstrators.
In its observations, the court said Hasina had undermined the student movement, noting she had referred to Dhaka University students as “Razakar,” a remark that further fuelled public anger during the inspiration.
