Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been found guilty by the court. She was identified as the main orchestrator behind violent incidents in the country. While in office, Hasina allegedly ordered security forces to kill protesters in a systematic manner and even suggested the use of helicopters if necessary. Multiple people died in these disturbances, leading to several cases being filed against her under various sections, which ultimately resulted in the court declaring her guilty.
It is reported that Sheikh Hasina faces the possibility of the maximum penalty. The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh convicted her for crimes against humanity related to the country’s unrest cases and sentenced her to death. In response, Hasina claimed the verdict is fraudulent. She alleged that a government, formed without public mandate, conspired to punish her unfairly.
She also complained that the court did not even give her a chance to prove herself and expressed anger over perceived judicial bias. Furthermore, she denied any factual basis for the human rights violation allegations, highlighting her government’s initiatives in education, employment, poverty alleviation, and national development. Hasina also noted that her administration facilitated Bangladesh’s accession to the International Criminal Court in 2010 and provided refuge to hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fleeing violence in Myanmar, questioning why they would act against human rights if they lacked concern for them.
#BREAKING | Bangladesh court finds former PM Sheikh Hasina guilty of 'crimes against humanity', reports news agency Reuters pic.twitter.com/Q5gzjnwcl4
— WION (@WIONews) November 17, 2025
Following the death sentence, Bangladesh has been placed on high alert. Security has already been tightened in Dhaka. Dhaka Police Chief Sheikh Mohammad Sajjad has instructed that anyone attempting to damage vehicles or throw bombs should be shot on the spot. Meanwhile, in response to the verdict, the Awami League party has called for a nationwide strike on Tuesday. Sheikh Hasina is currently in a secure, undisclosed location in Delhi, India. Consequently, the Yunus government in Bangladesh has recently written to India, requesting her extradition.