Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity linked to her handling of protests that occurred last year. The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) found her guilty of permitting lethal force against demonstrators, resulting in approximately 1,400 deaths. Hasina, currently in exile in India following her ousting in July 2024, was tried in absentia.
During the tribunal proceedings, prosecutors presented evidence suggesting that Hasina was involved in widespread violence during the protests, which initially began over demands to change government job quotas and later escalated into broader anti-government sentiments. Many families of victims have called for stringent punishments for those responsible for the violence. Hasina has consistently denied the allegations, describing the trial as politically motivated.
The tribunal’s verdict represents a significant event in Bangladesh’s political landscape, which has been marred by violence and repression under Hasina’s extended rule. Her administration, which governed for 15 years, is criticized for its approach to dissent, including allegations of arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial killings. Following her removal, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of an interim government, and the Awami League, Hasina’s political party, has been banned.
The case has also raised diplomatic concerns, particularly between India and Bangladesh, as Dhaka has sought Hasina’s extradition but India has not agreed to such requests. Amidst heightened tensions in Dhaka, several protests and incidents of violence were reported before the verdict, highlighting ongoing divisions within the country.
Hasina’s lawyers are reportedly challenging the trial process and have approached the United Nations to raise concerns about fairness. While the verdict might provide some closure for the families of those affected, it remains to be seen how it will impact the future political scenario in Bangladesh.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpwvg99e8vdo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss