The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-1) in Bangladesh has officially convicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed. She was sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity linked to the student-led uprising in July-August 2024.
The three-judge bench also sentenced former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death in absentia. Former Police Chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun received five years in prison after cooperating with the tribunal.
Sheikh Hasina has multiple charges against her, including murder, extermination, torture, and inhumane acts. The court claimed that she allowed the use of drones, helicopters, and lethal weapons against protesters. A United Nations report estimated 1,400 deaths during the crackdown. Trial arguments concluded on October 23, 2025, with the full verdict running 453 pages.
Where is Sheikh Hasina Right Now?
Sheikh Hasina Wazed, 78, remains in self-imposed exile in India since August 5, 2024. She and the Awami League reject the trial as politically motivated. Bangladesh’s interim government requested her extradition, but India has not responded.
Bangladesh is on high alert about security particularly in Dhaka. The main areas are patrolled by police and paramilitary forces, and a shoot on sight order applies to arsons and bomb attacks. Awami League which has been banned by the interim government has demanded protests and shutdowns in the entire country. The son of Sheikh Hasina, Sajeeb Wajid, threatened to stage stronger protests before the 2026 elections.
This ruling of Sheikh Hasina is historic in Bangladesh. The death sentence handed down to Hasina Wajed has significant political and security repercussions since the country is on the road to the imminent elections.
