Bangladesh has entered a new and volatile chapter in its political history as former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death by a special tribunal over last year’s deadly crackdown on student-led protests. The ruling — delivered in her absence — has sent shockwaves across the nation, raising fears of widespread protests, political instability, and diplomatic challenges, particularly with India, where Hasina has been living in exile.
A Landmark and Controversial Verdict
The special tribunal found Sheikh Hasina guilty of crimes against humanity, ruling that she authorized and oversaw a violent state response to mass student protests that erupted in mid-2024. The demonstrations, which began as peaceful gatherings over controversial civil service job quotas, spiraled into a nationwide uprising as thousands of young people took to the streets demanding reforms and accountability.
International observers estimated that as many as 1,400 people may have died during the crackdown — most from gunfire and clashes with security forces. The tribunal said Hasina bore direct responsibility for ordering forces to use lethal weapons and excessive measures to suppress the demonstrations.
The court also convicted several key members of her former administration. While Hasina received the death penalty, some of her former security chiefs and advisers faced lengthy prison terms. The trial, conducted while she remained in exile, has been described by her legal team as a “political witch-hunt,” and by Hasina herself as a “kangaroo court.”
Hasina Rejects the Verdict from Exile
Speaking in recent interviews from India, the former prime minister dismissed the ruling as baseless and politically motivated. She insisted that she would have faced trial if the process had been legitimate and transparent, but argued that the tribunal operated under an interim government she claims lacks democratic authority.
Hasina also denied giving any order that directly targeted students, saying that the 2024 protests spiraled beyond the control of the security forces on the ground. Her supporters argue that the military and police acted independently, while the interim government maintains that leaked recordings and documentation show clear instructions from Hasina to use “maximum force.”
With the verdict now issued, legal avenues remain extremely limited. The law requires that she must surrender or be arrested within 30 days to file an appeal — a scenario seen as highly unlikely.
Growing Security Concerns Across Bangladesh
Following the announcement, Bangladesh witnessed immediate signs of unrest. Security was tightened across Dhaka and other major cities as authorities deployed large numbers of police, paramilitary units, and special forces to prevent riots or retaliatory attacks.
In several districts, students and opposition supporters attempted to rally, leading to tense confrontations. Reports indicate that tear gas, rubber bullets, and baton charges were used to disperse crowds. In some areas, protesters attempted to vandalize the historic residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman — Bangladesh’s founding leader and Hasina’s father — prompting further escalation.
Authorities also heightened surveillance on transport hubs, government buildings, and political party offices. There are widespread fears that the days ahead could see more clashes, as emotions run high across political divides. Some local authorities have reportedly been given emergency powers to “maintain order,” raising concerns about potential human rights abuses.
Political Fallout and a Nation Divided
The verdict marks one of the most significant moments in Bangladesh’s modern political history. Sheikh Hasina, who led the country for more than 15 years collectively and maintained strong influence over state institutions, has long been a polarizing figure. To her critics, she was authoritarian; to her supporters, she was a symbol of stability and development.
With her sentencing, the Awami League — the party she led for decades — is now under immense pressure. Many members have already condemned the ruling, calling it an attack on democracy. The party, which is barred from participating in the country’s upcoming elections, is expected to mobilize mass protests in the coming days. This raises fears of further clashes between supporters and security forces.
The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, insists that the ruling is part of a broader effort to restore justice after years of alleged abuses of power. However, critics argue that the government risks deepening divisions and triggering long-term political instability.
Diplomatic Tensions Brewing with India
Perhaps the most delicate issue arising from the verdict is the question of extradition. Hasina has been living in India since being ousted from power in 2024, and the interim Bangladeshi government is expected to request her return to face the sentence.
India now finds itself in a highly sensitive position. Sheikh Hasina has long been considered a strategic ally of New Delhi, and returning her to Dhaka — where she faces execution — could set off diplomatic complications, human rights challenges, and internal political debate.
New Delhi has so far remained tight-lipped, but analysts believe the Indian government may resist extradition efforts, citing humanitarian grounds or geopolitical considerations. Any decision will significantly affect Indo-Bangladesh relations, trade, and regional cooperation.
Human Rights Groups Sound the Alarm
International organizations and human rights groups have expressed deep concern over the ruling. Many have criticized the use of the death penalty, urging Bangladesh to ensure that justice does not fuel further unrest.
Groups have also questioned the fairness of the tribunal and the circumstances under which the trial was conducted. Calls for restraint, dialogue, and political healing have intensified, as the world watches how Bangladesh navigates this high-stakes moment.
What Lies Ahead for Bangladesh
Bangladesh now stands at a crossroads. The sentencing of Sheikh Hasina has reopened old wounds, intensified political rivalries, and unleashed anxieties across the nation. The coming weeks will determine whether Bangladesh moves toward stability or deeper unrest.
Key developments to watch include:
- Whether India responds to any extradition request
- How the Awami League mobilizes its supporters
- The interim government’s strategy to maintain order
- The international community’s pressure regarding human rights and due process
- The impact of this verdict on the upcoming 2026 elections
For now, uncertainty looms large over the country.
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