In a significant ruling, the International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka sentenced former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her ex-interior minister Asaduzzaman Khan to death for their roles in the deadly crackdown on student protests in mid-2024, which claimed the lives of hundreds. Both were sentenced in absentia, having fled to India, which has yet to extradite them. Another individual, a former police chief, received a five-year sentence after turning state witness.
The protests erupted over the government’s job quota policy, leading to widespread unrest and violence, and even the United Nations reported a death toll of up to 1,400. Hasina denied the charges, claiming her actions were taken in good faith to minimize casualties. Following her ouster in August 2024, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of a transitional government, pledging accountability for Hasina.
The verdict has led to public celebrations by opposition supporters while igniting fears of increasing instability, evidenced by arson and violence across Bangladesh. Despite the tribunal’s ruling, Hasina’s supporters have criticized the decision as politically motivated, fueling further tensions in the region.
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