Sheikh Hasina Death Sentence: Bangladesh has entered a volatile new phase after the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for alleged crimes against humanity committed during the 2024 student-led uprising. Delivered in her absence and broadcast live across the country, the verdict has intensified diplomatic pressure on India, where Hasina has lived in secrecy since her removal from power.
Bangladesh is now demanding her immediate extradition, while India has responded cautiously, stressing peace and stability. Hasina, calling the judgment politically motivated and legally flawed, maintains she was denied a fair trial and insists the interim government has misused judicial authority.
Key Takeaways on Sheikh Hasina Death Verdict, Extradition Pressure and India’s Official Response
- ICT Bangladesh sentences Sheikh Hasina to death for alleged incitement, lethal force orders and failure to prevent 2024 protest killings.
- Bangladesh demands Hasina’s extradition from India, calling refuge to her “unfriendly” and against the bilateral treaty.
- India reacts with a measured statement prioritising peace, democracy, inclusion and stability.
- Hasina denounces the verdict as rigged, illegal and politically motivated by the interim Muhammad Yunus administration.
- UN, rights groups and Indian political leaders express concern over fairness and the use of the death penalty.
ICT Delivers the Harshest Verdict Against a Former Bangladeshi Leader
The International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka ruled that Sheikh Hasina and two senior officials — former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun — committed crimes against humanity during the July–August 2024 violence. The tribunal cited incitement, orders to use lethal weapons, misuse of state machinery and failure to prevent mass casualties.
The verdict, read by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, declared that the legal requirements for crimes against humanity were met. Security was tightened across Dhaka with checkpoints, armoured vehicles and thousands of law enforcement personnel deployed as crowds gathered around the courthouse.
Hasina Rejects Verdict, Calls Tribunal “Politically Engineered”
From India, where she has lived secretly since August 2024, Sheikh Hasina issued a strong statement criticising the tribunal. She said the proceedings were manipulated, the verdict predetermined, and the interim administration under Muhammad Yunus had “no democratic mandate” to amend tribunal laws or conduct trials.
She alleges:
- She was denied representation from her chosen lawyers.
- The tribunal’s procedures violated natural justice.
- The use of lethal force was not premeditated.
- She received minimal notice of hearing dates.
- The trial was structured to remove her and the Awami League from national politics.
Her son and adviser, Sajeeb Wazed, indicated they would only consider appealing if a democratically elected government returned.
Awami League Leaders Call Verdict a “Staged Drama”
Senior Awami League leaders have sharply criticised the interim government and the trial process.
Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury called the tribunal a “kangaroo court,” alleging:
- the judgment was written beforehand,
- the tribunal’s chair was absent for weeks,
- lawyers willing to defend Hasina were blocked,
- the interim government illegally altered tribunal laws.
Shafiul Alam Chowdhury Nadel labelled the current administration “illegal and unconstitutional,” stating that millions benefited from Hasina’s welfare programmes. Both leaders accused the Yunus regime of targeting the Awami League and destabilising the country ahead of February’s elections.
Sheikh Hasina Verdict LIVE: Muhammad Yunus Issues Statement
Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus released an official statement after the verdict, declaring that the court had spoken “with clarity” and reinforcing that “no one, regardless of power, is above the law.”
He described the judgment as a step toward justice for those killed during the 2024 uprising, though he acknowledged it remains insufficient for families still seeking closure.
Bangladesh Pushes India to Extradite Hasina Under the 2013 Treaty
Following the verdict, Bangladesh intensified its diplomatic pressure on India, claiming the extradition treaty obligates New Delhi to return Hasina and her former home minister. Officials warned that sheltering individuals convicted of crimes against humanity constitutes “unfriendly behaviour.”
Bangladesh’s foreign ministry further demanded:
- that India prevent her from making public statements,
- that no platform be given to her while she lives on Indian soil,
- and that the Indian government expedited her return.
Law Adviser Asif Nazrul accused India of “sheltering a mass murderer,” insisting this undermines regional trust.
Earlier, Bangladesh had also summoned India’s envoy to convey similar concerns.
India Responds with Measured Diplomacy
India’s Ministry of External Affairs acknowledged the verdict and reiterated its commitment to the best interests of the Bangladeshi people. The official statement emphasised peace, democracy, inclusion and stability.
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While India confirmed receiving Bangladesh’s Note Verbale requesting extradition, it has not disclosed its decision. Officials said Hasina entered India on “short notice for safety reasons” and continues to stay without any declared plans of departure.
Experts believe India is unlikely to extradite her, citing concerns about the fairness of the trial and the fragile state of Bangladesh’s internal politics.
Mixed International Reactions Follow the Verdict
International responses have been divided:
- The UN Human Rights Office expressed regret over the use of the death penalty but acknowledged victims’ rights.
- Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) termed the judgment a miscarriage of justice and lacking international fair-trial standards.
- Shashi Tharoor described the death sentence in absentia as troubling.
- Suvendu Adhikari alleged political influence from Pakistan and predicted the sentence would not be implemented.
Meanwhile, victim families present in the courtroom celebrated the decision, with many kneeling in prayer.
Spiritual Insight: Understanding True Justice Through the Teachings of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji
Amid political confrontations and social unrest, the spiritual teachings of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj highlight the deeper meaning of justice and peace. According to His guidance, true justice does not arise from conflict, power struggles or retribution but from divine principles rooted in compassion, equality and truth. He teaches that lasting peace—within individuals and nations—emerges only through adherence to authentic scripture-based devotion, which dissolves hatred and promotes harmony.
In times of unrest, His spiritual knowledge reminds society that real stability comes not from political judgments but from inner transformation and righteous living.
A Defining Turning Point for Bangladesh’s Political Future
Bangladesh now stands at a decisive crossroads as the death sentence of Sheikh Hasina reshapes the nation’s political landscape and its diplomatic relationship with India. With the Awami League barred from elections and the interim administration facing legitimacy concerns, deep uncertainty surrounds the country’s democratic direction. The extradition demand has intensified regional tension, while India balances strategic caution with stability-focused diplomacy.
As debates over justice, due process and political motivation continue, Hasina’s fate—and Bangladesh’s next chapter—now depends on evolving legal, diplomatic and public responses. The coming months will determine how the nation moves forward from this historic rupture.
FAQs on Sheikh Hasina Death Sentence, Extradition Demand & India’s Response
1. Why was Sheikh Hasina sentenced to death by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal?
Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death for alleged crimes against humanity during the 2024 student uprising, including incitement, lethal force orders and failure to prevent mass killings.
2. Why is Bangladesh demanding Sheikh Hasina’s extradition from India?
Dhaka claims India is obligated under the 2013 extradition treaty to return Hasina, calling her stay in India “unfriendly” and a barrier to justice.
3. What has been India’s response to the death sentence?
India issued a cautious statement, saying it remains committed to peace, democracy and stability in Bangladesh while examining the extradition request.
4. How did Sheikh Hasina react to the verdict?
Hasina called the verdict “rigged” and “politically motivated,” saying she was denied fair representation and challenging the tribunal’s legitimacy under the interim government.
5. How have global leaders and organisations responded to the judgment?
The UN opposed the death penalty, rights groups questioned trial fairness, and Indian leaders expressed concern over sentencing her in absentia.
