Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Hasina Wajid Sentenced to Death for Crimes Against Humanity

Voice of the Globe News Desk | Dhaka — 17 November 2025

According to court documents released Monday, the tribunal in Dhaka delivered its verdict in absentia, since Hasina Wajid has been living in self-exile in India after her government was ousted in 2024.

Key Findings of the Verdict

• The tribunal found that Hasina Wajid authorised and oversaw a violent crackdown on student-led protests in July 2024 that resulted in the deaths of more than 1,400 people, and thousands more injured. The court held that the killings constituted crimes against humanity.

• Prosecutors alleged that the former prime minister ordered the use of drones, helicopters and lethal weapons against protesters, and that she failed to take preventive and punitive measures even when aware of the grave risks.

• The verdict also includes sentences of life in prison for Hasina Wajid on three other charges alongside the death sentence for the primary count.

• Former Interior Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal was also sentenced to death in the same case; a former police chief received a reduced prison term for cooperating with the state.

Reactions and Implications

The verdict has sent shock-waves through Bangladesh and the region. For supporters of Hasina Wajid’s party, the decision is politically charged and raises concerns about the fairness and independence of the judicial process. Observers fear that the ruling could risk spurring fresh unrest or further political polarisation.

On the other hand, many human-rights campaigners and victims’ groups welcomed the decision as a long-awaited step towards accountability for state-sanctioned violence — though some also cautioned that the trial’s conduct must meet international standards to ensure legitimacy.

As crowds gathered around Dhanmondi 32 — a historic site inside the capital associated with Hasina Wajid’s political base — security forces tightened control, with soldiers and police deployed in key locations to prevent outbreak of violence.

What Comes Next

The verdict can be appealed to the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, and it remains to be seen how the appellate process will unfold. Hasina Wajid’s legal team has indicated that they will not file an appeal unless a democratically elected government with full participation of her party is in place.

In diplomatic terms, Bangladesh may now face pressure from international bodies and foreign governments over issues of due process, human rights, and political stability. The government in Dhaka will need to balance justice for victims with the need for national cohesion and reconciliation.

Why This Case Matters

The sentencing of a former head of government for crimes against humanity is rare in South Asia and sets a precedent. It signals a turning point in Bangladesh’s governance and rule of law, centring long-standing allegations of extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances and authoritarian tactics under Hasina Wajid’s tenure (2009-2024).

For investors, regional partners and civil society, the verdict raises key questions: how will Bangladesh manage the political fallout? Will this lead to reforms in policing, freedom of speech and accountability? And will justice be applied equitably, avoiding the perception of victor’s justice?

Final Thoughts

As Bangladesh charts a new chapter, the world will be watching. The death sentence handed to Hasina Wajid reflects not just a legal milestone but a seismic political shift. Whether it becomes a catalyst for reform, stability or further division may hinge on how the next few months are managed.