Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sentenced to Death

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death In Absentia Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has been sentenced to death in absentia. The ruling was made in her absence as Hasina left Bangladesh in August 2024 and has since been residing in India. The court found her guilty of ordering the suppression of a student uprising, during which fatalities occurred. Following the announcement of the verdict, applause erupted in the courtroom. The families of those who lost their lives supported the decision, while some people prayed outside upon hearing the news. Hasina, however, called the court “fake” and stated that she does not recognize its decision. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who leads the interim government, declared the ruling "historic" but urged citizens to maintain peace. After the court’s decision, the Bangladeshi government requested India to extradite Hasina and former Interior Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Kamal was also sentenced to death. India stated that it is "reviewing the matter" and engaging in "constructive dialogue" but disclosed no further details. On Monday, clashes erupted in Dhaka between protesters and law enforcement. Demonstrators demanded the demolition of a property linked to Hasina's father, which was partially destroyed last year. Security measures have been heightened in the capital, with police and military personnel deployed around government buildings and the court premises. The verdict, issued by the International Crimes Tribunal, Bangladesh’s domestic judicial body, comes ahead of elections scheduled for February. Hasina’s son warned of potential violence if the Awami League, her political party, is barred from participating in the elections. According to UN reports, during protests in July and August last year, 1,400 people were killed, and thousands were injured. The majority of fatalities occurred as a result of shootings by security forces. Read “Zamin” on Telegram!