In a landmark ruling, Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been convicted of crimes against humanity following a violent crackdown on protesters.
The Trial and Verdict
The conviction was delivered on Monday 17 November 2025, concluding a months-long trial that was conducted in her absence. The court found the ousted leader, currently in exile in India, guilty of ordering a deadly response to a student-led uprising last year.
Prosecutors presented evidence that the crackdown resulted in a significant loss of life. The United Nations estimated that up to 1,400 people may have been killed during the violence. This figure was partially corroborated by Bangladesh's own health adviser under the interim government, who stated that more than 800 people were killed and approximately 14,000 were injured.
International Repercussions and Potential Sentence
The prosecution in the case has been seeking the most severe punishment available. The death penalty has been requested for Sheikh Hasina, marking a dramatic fall from grace for the former head of government.
Having been tried in absentia, the legal and diplomatic focus now shifts to her potential extradition and the final sentencing. The verdict sends a powerful message about accountability for state-level violence and is likely to have significant implications for the political landscape of Bangladesh and its international relations.
This is a developing story, and further details are expected to be released shortly.
