The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity, sparking intense reactions from victims and international observers. Hasina, who fled to India in August 2024 amid deadly student protests, was tried in absentia for ordering a violent crackdown that killed hundreds. This verdict marks a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s political landscape, with victims demanding even harsher justice and India committing to supportive dialogue.
Background on Sheikh Hasina and the 2024 Protests
Sheikh Hasina, often spelled as Shaikh Hasina or Shekh Hasina, led Bangladesh as Prime Minister from 2009 to 2024, overseeing significant economic growth but facing accusations of authoritarianism. Her government established the ICT in 2010 to prosecute 1971 war crimes, but the tribunal’s mandate expanded in 2024-2025 to cover recent atrocities. The 2024 student-led uprising began over job quotas but escalated into a broader anti-government movement, with security forces using lethal force, drones, and helicopters against protesters. Hasina’s resignation on August 5, 2024, followed massive demonstrations that surrounded her residence, leading to her exile.
The ICT Verdict: Charges and Proceedings
On November 17, 2025, the ICT convicted Hasina on three of five charges, including inciting systemic attacks on demonstrators and failing to prevent killings in specific incidents like those in Chankarpul, Dhaka, and Ashulia, Savar. The 453-page ruling cited her leadership responsibility, drawing from the Rome Statute’s definition of crimes against humanity and victim testimonies. Co-defendants, including former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, also received death sentences, while another turned state witness and got five years. The trial, held without Hasina’s presence, has drawn criticism for procedural flaws and political bias under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
Live Reactions: Victims’ Outrage and “1000 Hangings Not Enough”
Victims and families of those killed in the 2024 crackdown expressed profound anger during live reactions outside the tribunal in Dhaka. Many protesters and survivors chanted that “1000 hangings not enough” for Hasina, reflecting the scale of loss—over 1,000 deaths attributed to her orders. Social media and live broadcasts captured emotional scenes, with one victim’s relative stating the sentence barely scratches the surface of the trauma inflicted. Rights groups noted the verdict’s symbolism but warned of ongoing risks to fair trials, as similar practices persist under the current regime.
Where Is Sheikh Hasina Now? Exile in India
Sheikh Hasina has been living in a secure safe house in Delhi since fleeing Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, under tight Indian protection. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, confirmed she receives treatment akin to a head of state and can move freely within limits, though she remains cautious. Hasina has rejected the verdict as rigged by an unelected government, vowing not to return without a legitimate administration that includes her Awami League party. Speculation about destinations like London or the UAE was dismissed, solidifying India’s role as her refuge.
Bangladesh’s Push for Extradition and ICT’s Role
The Yunus-led interim government immediately urged India to extradite Hasina under a 2010 treaty, calling it an “obligatory responsibility” for justice. Dhaka placed the city on high alert amid fears of unrest, while media was ordered to halt circulation of Hasina’s statements. The ICT, originally Hasina’s tool against rivals like Jamaat-e-Islami—whose leaders she executed—now faces irony as that group cheers the outcome. Legal experts question the tribunal’s fairness, citing rushed proceedings and potential violations of international due process standards.
India’s Response: Constructive Engagement Amid Pressure
India’s Ministry of External Affairs noted the verdict on November 17, 2025, emphasizing commitment to Bangladesh’s peace, democracy, inclusion, and stability. New Delhi pledged “constructive engagement” with all stakeholders but avoided extradition commitments, prioritizing regional harmony. As a close neighbor that sheltered Hasina during her 1975-1981 exile, India faces mounting pressure from Dhaka, which labeled refusal “unfriendly.” Analysts suggest India’s stance balances historical ties with Hasina against broader South Asian dynamics.
Broader Implications for Bangladesh News and Stability
This verdict intensifies Bangladesh’s political turmoil, with Hasina facing three more ICT cases on enforced disappearances and 2013 killings. The Awami League risks dismantling, and property confiscation for victims was recommended. Human Rights Watch opposes the death penalty and highlights due process concerns, while the ruling could exacerbate divisions between secular and Islamist factions. For Sheikh Hasina news, the outcome underscores her fall from power, with global scrutiny on whether Bangladesh repeats past mistakes in pursuing justice.
In total, this event reshapes Bangladesh-India relations and tests the interim government’s legitimacy ahead of elections.
