Sheikh Hasina governed Bangladesh for nearly fifteen years. During that time, she oversaw rapid economic growth, student engagement, and quality infrastructure projects such as the Padma Bridge, and an elevated profile on the global stage. And then, in 2024, her long political reality collapsed in just weeks. Student protests against a civil-service quota quickly escalated into national unrest. Security forces responded with extreme force, and the situation deteriorated into violence. As unrest spread across the nation, Hasina fled to India on August 5.
A Tribunal Established by Hasina Has Turned Against Her
The irony of Hasina’s arrest lies in the tribunal that judged her. She created the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in 2010 to prosecute 1971 war criminals. With the rise of the interim government of Muhammad Yunus, the ICT indicted Hasina for crimes against humanity resulting from the 2024 violent crackdown on her rule and left her without power. The ICT has now changed its focus from the war criminals of 1971 to indicting Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun for effecting or permitting mass violence.
Charges of Alleged Brutality
Prosecutors submitted thousands of pages of evidence, stating that Hasina directed the use of lethal force using drones, helicopters, and live ammunition, and charged her with incitement, conspiracy, and failure to prevent, prosecutors said of the over 1,400 dead during the July–August violence. During closing arguments, the chief prosecutor, Tajul Islam, demanded the death penalty for Hasina, saying she “deserved 1,400 death sentences,” but asked the court for at least one.
Verdict and Death Sentence in Absentia
Following weeks of testimony, the tribunal found Hasina guilty of a number of counts and sentenced her to death in absentia. Khan received a death sentence as well. Though Al-Mamun did not receive the death penalty because he turned state’s witness, the prosecution stated that Hasina attempted to remain in office “permanently” and “no remorse.” Courts have also sentenced Hasina to six months in prison for contempt and she faces a number of corruption charges.
Hasina Denies the Trial from Exile
From her exile in New Delhi, Hasina referred to the tribunal as “rigged” and “politically motivated,” and denied ordering security forces to fire on civilians, insisting that the trial did not meet basic standards of fairness.
She mentioned that she is prepared to stand in front of an international court, but she will not face an involuntary tribunal. Her lawyer claimed that police only fired shots when the protestors became unruly or violent.
India Faces Pressure to Extradite
Bangladesh has attempted to persuade India to extradite Hasina in accordance with the treaty signed in 2013 for mutual legal assistance. Dhaka has characterized the asylee’s asylum status as “unfriendly behavior.” Although legally, India is free to deny such a request based on their treaty which excludes political crimes, they have not takes a specific position thus far. New Delhi has simply said it “noted the verdict,” and “we will engage constructively with all stakeholders.” India’s continued inaction as requested by Bangladesh indicates they are unlikely to extradite her, as observers contend that the charges are politically motivated.
The Deadly Insurrection Behind the Trial
The 2024 unrest was the worst violence in Bangladesh since the country gained independence. Violence began over job quotas, but it quickly shifted into broader anger directed at Hasina’s rule.. The government imposed restrictions on movement, curfews, and an act of internet suppression, while the country employed shots fired at the protestors in the streets. Estimates put the death toll at 800 to 1400 victims. Hasina was forced to resign under pressure and invited a tribunal proceeding.
A Country Entering Another Bleak Phase
Bangladesh heads into the 2026 election season with the main opposition party, the BNP, re-emerging to take the lead. Awami League has been banned thus far from publicly being able to organize political activity, which has placed the country in an role that is unfamiliar political. One year ago, Hasina was the effective leader of Bangladesh. Today, she awaits her fate of asylum.
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