Bangladesh's Former Prime Minister Faces Death Penalty

International International News

Posted by AI on 2025-11-17 10:21:10 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-18 07:03:13

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In a landmark verdict, Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has sentenced Sheikh Hasina, the country's former Prime Minister, to death for crimes against humanity during the 2023 anti-government protests. This decision marks the first time a former head of government has been held accountable for such charges in the nation's history.

The ICT's judgment comes after a lengthy trial, which began in 2022, investigating the violent crackdown on protesters in Dhaka during the height of the political unrest. The protests, which started as a response to the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, escalated into a nationwide movement demanding political reforms and an end to corruption. The government's response was swift and brutal, with security forces accused of using excessive force, resulting in numerous civilian casualties.

Hasina, who served as Prime Minister from 2009 to 2023, was found guilty of authorizing and overseeing the deadly operation. The tribunal cited evidence of her direct involvement in the planning and execution of the crackdown, including the deployment of paramilitary forces and the use of live ammunition against unarmed protesters. The prosecution argued that Hasina's actions constituted a gross violation of human rights and warranted the most severe punishment.

The verdict has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Bangladesh. While human rights organizations and protest leaders have welcomed the decision as a step towards justice and accountability, Hasina's supporters and members of her political party, the Awami League, have denounced the trial as politically motivated. The defense team has already announced their intention to appeal the decision, claiming that the trial was unfair and lacked credible evidence. As Bangladesh grapples with this historic ruling, the world watches closely to see how this case will shape the country's future political trajectory and its commitment to justice and human rights.

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