Hasina Death Sentence: The Truth Behind the Verdict (2025)

n a historic and deeply controversial development, Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) after being found guilty of multiple charges linked to the 2024 student uprising. The verdict, delivered on Monday, has triggered intense political debate, emotional reactions across Bangladesh, and significant diplomatic pressure on India, where Hasina currently lives in exile.

This landmark judgment—marked by political tension, allegations of misuse of power, and widespread violence—has reshaped the political landscape of Bangladesh and raised questions about the future stability of the nation.

🟥 THE VERDICT: WHAT THE COURT DECIDED

The three-member tribunal, led by Judge Golam Mortuza Mozumder, announced the verdict after months of investigation, testimonies, and hearings. According to the court, Sheikh Hasina was found guilty on three major counts, which include:

✔️ Incitement of violence during the 2024 student movement

✔️ Authorizing armed forces and police to fire on protestors

✔️ Failing to prevent mass atrocities despite multiple warnings

Initially, the prosecutors sought a life sentence, but after additional evidence of command responsibility, the tribunal concluded:

💬 “The court has chosen one punishment — the sentence of death.” — Judge Mozumder

Alongside Hasina, former Interior Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal also received a death sentence, while former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun received a comparatively lighter five-year prison termfor cooperating with investigators and pleading guilty earlier this year.

🟥 THE FIVE KEY CHARGES AGAINST SHEIKH HASINA

The prosecution presented a detailed list of five specific crimes, each linked to violent actions during the 2024 nationwide protests:

1. Mass killings of student protestors in Dhaka
2. Use of helicopters and drones to fire on demonstrators
3. The murder of student activist Abu Sayed
4. Burning and disposing bodies in Ashulia to destroy evidence
5. Coordinated firing on crowds in Chankharpul

The tribunal concluded that these actions were conducted under the authority of her government and constituted crimes against humanity.

🟥 HASINA’S RESPONSE: CLAIMS OF “RIGGED” AND “POLITICALLY DRIVEN” VERDICT

Speaking from India—where she fled after the uprising—Sheikh Hasina strongly rejected the judgment. Through a video statement, she claimed that the trial was:

• Politically motivated
• Part of a conspiracy to remove her permanently
• A “kangaroo court” decision lacking transparency

Her legal team also stated that the tribunal rushed proceedings and ignored crucial evidence that could have cleared her of responsibility.

🟥 BANGLADESH’S INTERIM GOVERNMENT REACTS

Bangladesh’s caretaker government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, welcomed the verdict and stated that the decision reflects the principle that:

💬 “No one—no matter how powerful—is above the law.” — Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser

The interim government emphasized that justice was overdue for the families who lost their children during the 2024 movement.

🟥 BANGLADESH ASKS INDIA TO EXTRADITE HASINA

Immediately after the sentencing, the Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry made a formal request to India seeking Hasina’s extradition under the Bangladesh-India Extradition Treaty.

The statement noted:

💬 “It would be an unfriendly act for any country to shelter individuals convicted of crimes against humanity.”

Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal were both tried in absentia after fleeing Dhaka in the aftermath of the protests.

🟥 INDIA’S RESPONSE: CAREFUL & DIPLOMATIC

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a measured statement:

💬 “India remains committed to peace, democracy, inclusion, and stability in Bangladesh.”

While India acknowledged the verdict, it has not yet indicated whether New Delhi will extradite Hasina. Her future now depends heavily on India’s diplomatic decision.

🟥 WHAT HAPPENS NEXT FOR SHEIKH HASINA?

The next steps depend entirely on:

1. India’s decision on extradition

If India agrees, Hasina would be handed over to Bangladesh authorities immediately.

2. Hasina’s possible appeal

The tribunal allows an appeal only if she returns to Bangladesh or is arrested within 30 days.

If she does not return:

• She may be officially declared a fugitive
• Her properties may be seized by the state
• Her passport could be cancelled
• Bangladesh may request Interpol Red Notice

This would severely restrict her international movement.

🟥 PROPERTY SEIZURE TO BEGIN IMMEDIATELY

Tribunal officials confirmed that the first administrative action after the verdict will be:

✔️ Confiscation of Hasina’s assets
✔️ Transfer of her properties to the state

This will proceed even while diplomatic negotiations continue.

🟥 REACTION FROM THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

Global responses have been mixed:

✔️ Human rights organizations

Some groups criticized the use of the death penalty and expressed concern about whether the tribunal maintained full transparency.

✔️ Neighboring countries

Regional governments have generally refrained from strong statements, citing the sensitive political environment.

✔️ Bangladeshi diaspora

Reactions remain divided—some welcomed the verdict, others called it politically motivated.

🟥 PUBLIC REACTION INSIDE BANGLADESH

The verdict sparked:

• Celebrations among families of those who died in the protests
• Protests by Hasina’s supporters
• Heavy security deployment in Dhaka and major cities
• Growing fear that the political climate may become further polarized

🟥 A DEEPER LOOK AT THE 2024 STUDENT UPRISING

The 2024 movement was one of the largest youth-led protests in Bangladesh’s history. Students demanded:

• End to police brutality
• Job quota reforms
• Fair investigations into custodial deaths
• Accountability for the government’s actions

The violent crackdown led to dozens of deaths, sparking international outrage and eventually forcing Hasina’s government out of power.

🟥 IS THIS THE END OF SHEIKH HASINA’S POLITICAL CAREER?

For now, Hasina faces:

• A death sentence
• A possible extradition request
• Loss of properties
• Being branded a fugitive
• International policing actions

However, politics in Bangladesh has always been unpredictable. If India does not extradite her, or if international pressure grows, Hasina could still remain politically relevant.

🟥 CONCLUSION

The death sentence handed to Sheikh Hasina marks one of the most dramatic and consequential moments in Bangladesh’s political history.

With a former prime minister convicted of crimes against humanity, a politically fragile country, and rising diplomatic tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi, the coming weeks will be crucial. The world now watches closely:

👉 Will India extradite Hasina?
👉 Will Hasina appeal the verdict?
👉 Will the political crisis deepen or stabilize?

One thing is certain:
Bangladesh has entered a new and uncertain phase—historically, politically, and internationally.

According to a detailed report on Tharkitech, the tribunal’s verdict marks a turning point in Bangladesh’s recent political history, especially given the scale of the 2024 protests and their aftermath.