Dhaka, Bangladesh – This was the immediate reaction of the people, including families of victims, in a Bangladeshi courtroom after ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death on three counts of crimes against humanity yesterday.
The verdict was issued by the International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka, the country’s capital after Hasina was found guilty of ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising last year.
During the month-long trial, prosecutors argued that Hasina directly instructed security forces to use lethal force to suppress the nationwide protests.
Hasina did not appear in court and was represented by a state-appointed lawyer.
As she has been living in exile in India since fleeing in August last year during the peak of the uprising.
The crisis began in July 2024, when students launched nationwide demonstrations over what they described as an unfair public-sector job quota system.
The protests quickly escalated into a broader anti-government movement marked by violent clashes.
A United Nations assessment later estimated that up to 1,400 people may have been killed during the unrest, with hundreds more injured across the country.
The tribunal found Hasina guilty of three counts of crimes against humanity, particularly incitement, ordering killings, and failing to prevent atrocities.
On the other hand, Hasina described the verdict as biased and politically motivated, denying all events.
Meanwhile, the Bangladeshi government has formally requested India to extradite the former prime minister.
India acknowledged the ruling but has not provided any further details regarding the request.
“As a close neighbor, India remains committed to the best interests of people of Bangladesh, including in peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country. We will always engage constructively with all stakeholders to that end,” India Foreign Ministry said.
Under Bangladeshi law, Hasina cannot appeal the verdict unless she surrenders or is arrested within 30 days of the judgment.