A court in Bangladesh has convicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of crimes against humanity, following a trial that evaluated her role in a violent crackdown on a student-led protest. The ruling, delivered on January 15, 2025, comes just weeks ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for early February. This verdict could exacerbate tensions in a country already on edge, with her party, the Awami League, barred from participating in the upcoming vote.
The International Crimes Tribunal, based in the capital Dhaka, issued its decision during a period of heightened security. Notably, Hasina was not present during the announcement, having fled to India in August 2024. The tribunal’s ruling carries severe implications, including the potential for the death penalty, which reflects the gravity of the charges against her.
Prosecutors argued that Hasina directly ordered the use of lethal force to suppress the protests that erupted between July 15 and August 5, 2024. According to a report by the United Nations, approximately 1,400 individuals may have lost their lives during the unrest, making it one of the worst episodes of violence in Bangladesh since its independence war in 1971. Thousands more were reportedly injured, primarily due to gunfire from security forces.
Hasina’s defense was represented by a state-appointed lawyer, who characterized the charges as unfounded and requested her acquittal. In the lead-up to the verdict, Hasina dismissed the proceedings as politically motivated, asserting that a guilty ruling was “a foregone conclusion.”
The atmosphere in Bangladesh has been tense in recent days, with reports of at least 30 crude bomb explosions and the burning of 26 vehicles nationwide. Fortunately, there have been no reported casualties from these incidents.
Following the verdict, Hasina’s son and adviser, Sajeeb Wazed, indicated that they would not pursue an appeal in the Supreme Court unless a democratically elected government was established, allowing the Awami League to participate. This statement adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile political landscape.
As the country braces for the impending elections, the implications of this ruling will likely resonate deeply within Bangladesh’s political fabric, potentially influencing public sentiment and leading to further unrest in the days ahead.
