Death sentence for Sheikh Hasina, found guilty on 3 counts: Top developments

Sheikh Hasina

Ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was on Monday sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICR-1) over the violence and killings during the July-August 2024 agitation.

Former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal also sentenced to death, while ex-police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun was spared the noose.

Chief Prosecutor, Mohammad Tajul Islam, told Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) that  Hasina was the “mastermind and principal architect” behind the alleged atrocities committed during last year’s nationwide protests.

Islam, called the Awami League a “fascist party,” accusing it of widespread torture and abduction of ordinary citizens during its rule. “Even now, Sheikh Hasina continues to deliver hate speeches,” the prosecutor alleged.

Hasina, 78, faces multiple charges arising from the mass uprising that forced her out of office in August 2024. A UN rights office report estimates that up to 1,400 people were killed between July 15 and August 15 during the “July Uprising” as her government ordered a sweeping security crackdown.

The Chief Prosecutor, Mohammad Tajul Islam, told Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) that Hasina was the “mastermind and principal architect” behind the alleged atrocities committed during last year’s nationwide protests.

A massive crowd has gathered outside Dhaka's International Crimes Tribunal amid the verdict Security is on high alert in Dhaka.

Here are the key developments.

•The verdict can be appealed in the Supreme Court.

•"Accused prime minister Sheikh Hasina committed crimes against humanity by her incitement order and also failure to take preventive and punitive measures under charge 1,” the court said .

•“Accused Sheikh Hasina committed one count of crimes against humanity by her order to use drones, helicopters and lethal weapons under charge number 2,” the court added.

•Elements constituting crimes against humanity have been fulfilled against Hasina, and her two aides, says tribunal court.

• Many lawyers inside the court erupted in joy as Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death for students crackdown.

• Awami League has declared a nationwide shutdown in Bangladesh on Tuesday.