Bangladesh plunged into turmoil on Monday after the International Crimes Tribunal handed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina a death sentence over alleged crimes against humanity linked to last year’s student uprising. Violent clashes erupted across Dhaka and several districts as Awami League supporters confronted police and rival groups.
The verdict, delivered in Hasina’s absence while she remains in India, has sharply polarised the nation ahead of February’s elections. The ruling has triggered strong reactions from India, the UN, opposition groups, and Hasina’s family, raising concerns of further instability. Political tensions have escalated as both sides accuse each other of undermining democracy and justice.
Here are the top developments:
Nationwide clashes after death sentence: Protesters blocked highways, marched in Dhaka, and clashed with police using batons, tear gas, and sound grenades. Unrest was intense around Dhanmondi 32 as crowds attempted to march toward Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence.
Hasina rejects verdict as 'biased' and ‘politically motivated': She condemned the ruling as a “rigged tribunal with no democratic mandate,” calling it a case engineered just months before national elections.
UN raises concern over capital punishment: While calling the verdict an important moment for victims, the UN said, “We regret that this trial conducted in absentia led to a capital punishment sentence, which we oppose in all circumstances.”
Bangladesh asks India to hand Hasina over; New Delhi responds carefully: India acknowledged the request and said it “remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh,” signalling a cautious diplomatic stance.
Awami League slams ruling: Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury alleged the verdict was “pre-written,” claiming AL lawyers were kept out of court and warning the interim regime was pushing Bangladesh “towards a civil war.”
Sajeeb Wazed calls the trial a ‘sham’, vows to challenge the verdict: Hasina’s son said, “This was a sham trial… My mother was not even allowed to hire her own attorney,” accusing the interim government of changing laws to secure the outcome.
Taslima Nasreen criticises the Yunus-led government: She argued that “jihadist forces” were being protected while Hasina was being punished, calling the entire process a “farce in the name of justice.”
Yunus defends the verdict, saying no one is above the law: The Chief Adviser stated that the ruling shows “no one, regardless of power, is above the law,” calling it “vital, if insufficient, justice” for the victims of the 2024 crackdown.
Tharoor comments: Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Monday called the death sentence handed to ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina a “very troubling” development. Hasina, who has been living in India since her removal from power last year, was sentenced to death in absentia by a special tribunal for “crimes against humanity.” Tharoor said he opposes the death penalty “domestically and abroad” and found the verdict particularly dismaying.
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