Bangladesh court sentences ex-PM Sheikh Hasina to death

A Bangladeshi court has delivered a death sentence against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, convicting her of crimes against humanity during the violent protests that ultimately overthrew her government. The verdict from the International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka marks a dramatic conclusion to the legal proceedings against the former leader who has been living in exile since her ouster.

Tribunal's Ruling and Legal Justification

The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, found Hasina guilty of superior command responsibility for atrocities committed during the mass demonstrations. In its extensive 453-page judgment, the court stated that Hasina was the "superior commander of all the atrocities" and that the crimes occurred with her "cool knowledge," indicating deliberate awareness and tolerance of the violent crackdowns.

Historical Context of the Case

The charges stem from the widespread student-led uprising last year that resulted in over 1,400 fatalities and ended the 15-year rule of Hasina's Awami League government. The former prime minister fled to neighboring India on August 5 as the protest movement reached its peak, with her departure marking the collapse of her lengthy political dominance in the South Asian nation.

Regional Implications and Current Status

The death sentence against the absent former leader represents one of the most significant political developments in Bangladesh's recent history. Hasina, who governed the country for nearly a decade and a half, now faces capital punishment in absentia while residing abroad. The verdict is expected to have substantial implications for Bangladesh's domestic politics and its diplomatic relations with regional powers.