DHAKA: A Bangladeshi court on Monday handed down the death sentence to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, concluding a lengthy trial that found her responsible for ordering a violent crackdown on a student-led uprising last year.
The verdict comes just months before the parliamentary elections expected in early February.
With the Awami League already barred from participating, the ruling has raised fears of renewed political instability ahead of the polls.
The International Crimes Tribunal, Bangladesh’s domestic court that handles war crimes cases delivered the judgment in Dhaka under heavy security.
Hasina was not present, having fled to India in August 2024.
Her conviction can still be challenged in the Supreme Court.
However, her son and political adviser, Sajeeb Wazed, told Reuters a day earlier that they would not file an appeal unless a democratically elected government takes power with the Awami League included in the electoral process.
During the hearings, prosecutors argued that they had uncovered credible proof that Hasina personally authorized the use of deadly force to crush the student protests in July and August 2024.
A United Nations report estimated that as many as 1,400 people were killed during the unrest between July 15 and August 5, while thousands more were injured, many from gunfire by security personnel.
Hasina was defended by a state-appointed lawyer who insisted that the allegations were unfounded and urged the court to acquit her.
In earlier statements, Hasina rejected the charges and questioned the legitimacy of the Tribunal, claiming the outcome had been predetermined.
Tensions have continued to rise in Bangladesh in recent days, with at least 30 crude bomb blasts and 26 vehicles set ablaze nationwide.
Despite the unrest, no casualties have been reported so far.
