Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death for ordering a violent crackdown on 2024 student protests that killed more than 1,400 people. Tried in absentia, she dismissed the verdict as political. The ruling increases pressure on India, where Hasina lives in exile.

Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity linked to the brutal 2024 student protests. A special tribunal in Dhaka found her responsible for authorising and failing to stop lethal force, which the UN says killed up to 1,400 people, mostly through gunfire by security forces. Hasina, who now lives in exile in India, called the verdict “biased and politically motivated” and said she was ready to face a fair court if given one.

Crackdown That Shook the Country

The 2024 protests began over anger at Bangladesh’s job quota system and quickly grew into one of the largest youth uprisings in the nation’s history. Videos of police firing on unarmed students triggered national outrage. As violence spread, Hasina’s government ordered harsh action that led to mass deaths, arrests and disappearances. She fled Bangladesh in August 2024 after her government collapsed amid public anger and international criticism.

Trial in Exile and Political Pressure on India

Hasina was tried in absentia because she has been living in India since her ouster. Bangladesh is expected to issue a fresh extradition request to New Delhi. But India has not responded to earlier requests and is unlikely to comply, as the charges may be viewed as political. Hasina also enjoyed long-standing ties with India, making the situation even more complicated for New Delhi. Legal experts say India can legally refuse if it believes the trial lacks fairness.

Security Fears and Impact on Bangladesh Politics

Security across Bangladesh has been tightened since the verdict. Tear gas, batons and sound grenades were used in Dhaka to control crowds. While some celebrated the decision, others fear more unrest in the coming days. The interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus called the verdict “historic” and urged people to stay calm.

The Awami League, Hasina’s party, has been pushed out of national politics. Many of its leaders are in exile or jail, and media outlets have been restricted from carrying Hasina’s statements. The verdict places additional pressure on the party as the nation moves toward elections next year.