Bangladesh Prosecutor Seeks Death Penalty for Ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
A prosecutor in Bangladesh's special domestic tribunal has formally sought the death penalty for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina over charges of crimes against humanity during mass protests in 2024. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam presented closing arguments describing Hasina as the 'mastermind and principal architect' behind violence that reportedly killed hundreds. The case represents a significant escalation in the political turmoil that has gripped Bangladesh since Hasina fled the country last year, with the interim government under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus continuing legal proceedings against the former leader and her party.
A prosecutor in Bangladesh's special domestic tribunal has formally requested the death penalty for ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, marking a dramatic escalation in the legal proceedings against the former leader. The case centers on charges of crimes against humanity during mass protests in July and August 2024 that ultimately forced Hasina to flee the country. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam presented his closing arguments before the International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka, describing Hasina as the "mastermind and principal architect" behind the violent crackdown that resulted in hundreds of casualties.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
The prosecution's case alleges that Sheikh Hasina personally ordered security forces to use lethal force against protesters during the weekslong uprising. According to court proceedings reported by PBS NewsHour, Chief Prosecutor Islam argued that if each of the estimated 1,400 deaths were punished separately, Hasina should receive 1,400 death sentences. The prosecutor also sought the death penalty for former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, while leaving the sentencing decision for former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun to the tribunal's discretion.
Political Context and International Response
The legal action against Hasina occurs against a backdrop of significant political transformation in Bangladesh. Following Hasina's departure on August 5, 2024, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of an interim government and subsequently banned the activities of Hasina's Awami League party. The United Nations has documented the scale of the violence in a February report, though Hasina and her party have questioned the casualty figures and demanded independent investigations.
Current Status and Next Steps
Hasina, currently in exile in India, has rejected the trial process as a "kangaroo court" and did not appoint legal representation. A state-appointed counsel has requested additional time to prepare arguments, with proceedings scheduled to resume on Monday. The case represents one of several legal actions unfolding in Bangladesh, including recent indictments against 25 former and serving military officials accused of enforced disappearances during Hasina's 15-year rule.
The tribunal's eventual verdict will have profound implications for Bangladesh's political future, particularly as the interim government under Yunus has promised elections in February to restore democratic governance. However, with the Awami League's activities remaining banned, the party faces significant obstacles in participating in the upcoming electoral process.
