Bangladesh: Death Penalty Sought for Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina in Crimes Against Humanity Case

Dhaka: Security has been ramped up nationwide in Bangladesh as authorities prepare for a landmark ruling by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, 78, on charges of crimes against humanity.

Prosecutors have reaffirmed their demand for capital punishment, while police in the capital have been authorised to shoot violent demonstrators to maintain order.

The tribunal is scheduled to announce its verdict on Monday in the absentia trial of Hasina, who fled to India in August 2024 amid mass protests. "We have demanded the maximum penalty for Hasina, along with confiscation of the convicts' assets to compensate the families of martyrs and injured victims from last year's protests," ICT-BD prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim stated.

Under the ICT-BD regulations, Hasina would be barred from appealing to the Supreme Court's Appellate Division unless she surrenders or is apprehended within 30 days of the judgment.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) forces have been stationed in Dhaka and three other districts—Gopalganj, Faridpur, and Madaripur—following a series of arson attacks and crude bomb blasts tied to the upcoming decision. Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury confirmed that law enforcement is fully prepared to avert any disruptions.

In Dhaka, Metropolitan Police Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali has instructed officers via wireless to open fire on anyone arsoning vehicles or hurling explosives with lethal intent, citing legal provisions for such measures.

Hasina, along with her former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-Police Chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, faces five counts, including murder, attempted murder, torture, and inhumane acts during the 2024 anti-quota protests. Charges were formalised on July 10. Hasina and Kamal are fugitives tried in absentia, while Mamun appeared in court and became a state witness.

Chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam described Hasina as the "mastermind" behind the crackdown, which a UN report estimates claimed up to 1,400 lives between July 15 and August 15, 2024—known as the 'July Uprising.' Hasina resigned and escaped on August 5, paving the way for Muhammad Yunus to lead an interim government three days later.

The verdict proceedings will air live on state broadcaster BTV, with large screens set up in Dhaka and streaming on the tribunal's Facebook page, though only approved portions will be broadcast.

Tensions escalated after Hasina's Awami League called for a "Dhaka lockdown" on November 10, the day the judgment date was set. Subsequent nights saw covert attacks, including bomb explosions at the Grameen Bank headquarters founded by Yunus, and arson on public transport and sites linked to interim leaders. Police arrested 18 Awami League activists overnight, with no injuries reported.

The Supreme Court has twice requested army deployment for tribunal security, the latest on Sunday. Over 28 hearing days ending October 23 featured 54 witnesses detailing suppression efforts against the student-led movement.

The interim administration has requested Hasina's extradition from India, which remains unanswered. Hasina has dismissed the ICT-BD as a "kangaroo court" influenced by rivals in recent international interviews. Her UK-based lawyers urged the UN to intervene, citing political bias under an unelected regime. Conversely, the Awami League petitioned the International Criminal Court last month, alleging atrocities by the Yunus government against its members.

Originally created in 2010 under Hasina to prosecute 1971 war collaborators—with Tajul Islam then defending the accused—the tribunal was revived and amended by the interim government to enable trials of former regime figures.

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