Sheikh Hasina is accused of several grave offenses amounting to crimes against humanity during the student protests in Dhaka
A special tribunal in Dhaka has begun delivering its verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is being tried in absentia on charges of crimes against humanity linked to a violent crackdown on student-led protests. The 78-year-old and two senior officials are accused of being the “masterminds” behind last year’s brutal suppression of quota reform demonstrations that left an estimated 1,400 people dead.
The 2024 uprising brought an end to Hasina’s 15-year rule, long criticised for curbing dissent and enabling extrajudicial arrests and killings. She has since taken refuge in India and has not appeared publicly or online.
Her outlawed Awami League party has dismissed the tribunal as a “kangaroo court” and urged supporters to take to the streets, heightening concerns about potential unrest.
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In Monday’s verdict reading, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal detailed a series of allegations against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is being tried in absentia.
The court recounted remarks and directives attributed to Hasina, including a July 14 press briefing in which she allegedly made disparaging comments about descendants of freedom fighters and Razakars—comments that were formally included in the ruling.
Judges also cited phone conversations where Hasina was said to have instructed officials to “hang” protesters. The tribunal claimed she authorised severe action during last year’s student-led movement, allegedly ordering the deployment of helicopters, drones and lethal force, and directing security agencies to torture, detain and even kill armed demonstrators.
According to the court, she issued similar directions to the Dhaka South mayor on July 18, urging law enforcement to intensify the crackdown.
The tribunal said that Hasina, the former home minister and the ex-police chief collectively committed crimes against humanity, outlining her alleged role charge by charge, based on statements and evidence gathered during the inquiry.