A Bangladesh court on Monday found ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina guilty of crimes against humanity, ruling that she could face the death penalty.
The court confirmed Hasina was convicted on three counts. "All the... elements constituting crimes against humanity have been fulfilled," Judge Golam Mortuza Mozumder stated in Dhaka, with the proceedings broadcast live on national television.
Sheikh Hasina, 78, defied court orders to return from India to face trial over the alleged deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising that ousted her in August 2024.
Under Charge One, she faces life imprisonment, while the other counts involve incitement, issuing unlawful orders, and authorising killings.
The court also issued notices to Hasina and the Home Minister to appear and contest the case, noting that their absence may indicate alleged guilt.
The Bangladesh court has warned that the country is moving towards radicalisation amid the ongoing political turmoil. Meanwhile, a close aide of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told News18 that the tribunal’s order “is not on legal lines,” questioning the legitimacy of the ruling. The remarks come as tensions rise in Dhaka following the verdict against Hasina and her co-accused in the crimes against humanity case.
Bangladesh will pursue legal measures to secure the return of ousted PM Sheikh Hasina from India, the prosecution said. When asked about Hasina, who is currently in India, officials stated, "Bangladesh would take all possible legal measures to address the matter."
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