Former PM Sheikh Hasina sentenced to death : Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, Professor Mohammad Yunus, commented on the International Crimes Tribunal-1 ruling, saying the court has made it clear that the law is now supreme in the country.
He explained that testimony and evidence proved that excessive force was used against unarmed protesters during the July-August 2024 protests, including firing from helicopters.
According to Yunus, the verdict is a kind of relief for the families who lost loved ones in the protests.
“Repressive policies had weakened democracy”
Yunus said that the harsh policies implemented in recent years had deeply damaged the country’s democratic system.
He reminded that approximately 1,400 people lost their lives during the protests, and these were not just statistics but students, parents, and ordinary citizens demanding their rights.
Tribunal’s Major Decision: Sheikh Hasina Guilty, Death Sentence
International Crimes Tribunal-1 found former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina guilty of crimes against humanity in one of the biggest cases in the country’s politics.
In the 400-page verdict, the bench stated that Hasina not only encouraged violent actions but also took no steps to stop them.
The tribunal sentenced Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal—both declared absconding—to death in the July massacre.
Bangladesh Warns: “Granting Asylum Is a Trespass to Justice”
Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry has clarified that granting asylum to these two accused by any country would be considered a trespass to justice.Under the extradition treaty with India, Dhaka has demanded that Hasina and Kamal be immediately extradited to Bangladesh. India has not yet responded.
Why did Hasina lose her right to appeal?
According to the law, an appeal against any sentence—even death—is possible only if the accused is arrested or appears in court.
Being absconding and living in India, Sheikh Hasina no longer has the legal right to appeal.
“Bangladesh will proceed with firmness and humility”
Prof. Yunus expressed confidence that this verdict not only acknowledges the pain of the victims’ families, but also demonstrates that the country is ready to move forward toward justice and human rights.
He said the path forward is not only about legal accountability but also about rebuilding trust between the public and institutions.
