Bangladesh|New Delhi, 18th November 25:
A special tribunal in Bangladesh on Sunday delivered a historic and highly controversial verdict, sentencing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July–August 2024 student uprising.
The verdict was issued by the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh (ICT), which found the two senior Awami League leaders guilty on multiple counts, including mass killings, incitement of violence, and failure to prevent atrocities.
Five Major Charges.
Reading out the detailed judgment, the tribunal held Hasina and Kamal responsible for,
Ordering the mass killing of protesters in Dhaka.
Using helicopters and drones to fire on crowds.
The murder of student activist Abu Sayed.
Burning bodies in Ashulia to destroy evidence.
Coordinated killings at Chankharpul.
“The elements constituting crimes against humanity have been fulfilled,” the court declared.
Former Police Chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who pleaded guilty, was given a five-year prison term.
Trial Held in Absence.
Hasina, who fled Bangladesh in August after her government collapsed, was tried in absentia. She is currently believed to be living in New Delhi.
The tribunal noted her “absconding” as a sign of guilt and has formally requested India to extradite her under an existing treaty.
Reactions Split.
The interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus welcomed the verdict, calling it a powerful message that “no one is above the law.”
However, the United Nations Human Rights Office expressed concern over the death penalty and questioned whether due-process standards were met.
Hasina rejected the verdict as “rigged and politically motivated,” claiming she was denied a fair opportunity to defend herself.
Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, called the judgment “a joke” and said the tribunal itself lacked legitimacy.
Bangladesh’s main opposition party, the BNP, praised the ruling, saying it marks “the end of dictatorship in Bangladesh.”
India Responds… 
India said it has “noted the verdict” and remains committed to working for the best interests of the people of Bangladesh. New Delhi has made no comment on the extradition demands.
