Bangladesh court sentences Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity

Anticipation for the ruling in the crimes against humanity case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has fueled widespread anxiety and unrest in Bangladesh. Ahead of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) verdict, set for Monday, November 17, the capital, Dhaka, experienced a surge of violence on Sunday. Incidents included multiple crude bomb attacks that rocked Central Road (near Syeda Rizwana Hasan’s residence), Titumir College, Amtali Square, and the Bangla Motor area. Furthermore, the rising tensions were highlighted by the burning of a public bus by unknown assailants.

The Charges: Murder and Disappearances

Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina is facing serious charges at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). The chief prosecutor, Tajul Islam, detailed the grave accusations:

• Enforced Disappearance of Opposition Leaders is the first core charge.
• Involvement in and Ordering Killings: An investigation report released on May 12 claimed Hasina’s direct involvement in ordering killings during a period of violence. These killings allegedly fueled further unrest, which resulted in at least 1,400 people killed and approximately 25,000 injured.
• Specific Murder Allegations: She is accused of the murder of Abu Sayeed, a student of Begum Rokeya University, along with co-accused. She is also accused of killing six people at Chankhar Bridge in Dhaka.
• Five Major Charges: These charges collectively include the murder of 13 people. She is accused of ordering the killing of five people and burning their bodies in Ashulia before leaving Dhaka, with a report noting that one victim was set on fire alive.

Demand for Capital Punishment

The severity of the murder charges has prompted Bangladesh’s interim government to revoke Sheikh Hasina’s passport. Additionally, there are strong demands from a section of the public for the death penalty for the former Prime Minister.

With the debate in the International Court of Justice concluding on October 23rd, the ICT’s verdict today, November 17th, is expected to be a landmark moment that will dictate the future political trajectory of Bangladesh.