In a historic development, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was on Monday condemned to death by the International Crimes Tribunal over the violence and fatalities during the July-August 2024 uprising. The ICT convicted Hasina of crimes against humanity, capping a months-long trial that found her guilty of directing a deadly crackdown on a student-led rebellion last year.
According to ICT, there were 1,400 deaths and 24,000 injuries throughout the disturbances.
According to the ICT judge, over 1,400 people died and 24,000 were injured during the July-August 2024 protests. The judge also stated that Sheikh Hasina’s government used lethal weaponry, including rifles and helicopters, to repress the protests, resulting in widespread carnage and devastation.
Sheikh Hasina authorized the use of helicopters and lethal weaponry to kill demonstrators, according to one of the ICT judges, who read from an alleged conversation between Hasina and the former mayor of South Dhaka Municipal Corporation.
ICT judge finds Sheikh Hasina incited unrest in Bangladesh.
The ICT judge further stated that Sheikh Hasina’s Razakar comment incited violence and labeled individuals as state enemies.
The Bangladeshi court determined that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina committed crimes against humanity and found sufficient evidence to indict her. The court also cited her alleged incitement to violence, which resulted in the deaths of students, as well as derogatory remarks made during a press conference on July 14.
#WATCH | Dhaka, Bangladesh | Visuals from outside the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) ahead of the announcement of the verdict in the case accusing ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police… pic.twitter.com/os5ByqTkgy
— ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2025
Notably, Sheikh Hasina, 78, is facing various charges stemming from the huge rebellion that pushed her out of power in August 2024. According to a UN human rights investigation, up to 1,400 people were killed between July 15 and August 15 during the “July Uprising” as her administration launched a massive security response.
Hasina and Kamal were designated fugitives and tried in absentia, while Mamun was initially tried in person before becoming an approver.
The Chief Prosecutor refers to Hasina as “the mastermind and principal architect.”
Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam has identified Hasina as the “mastermind and principal architect” of the alleged atrocities committed during the protests. Her supporters maintain that the charges are politically motivated.
The tribunal wrapped up proceedings on October 23 after 28 working days, during which 54 witnesses testified on the state’s response to the student-led movement that deposed Hasina’s government on August 5, 2024.
Hasina fled Bangladesh amid the increasing protests.
Hasina escaped Bangladesh the same day, amid growing agitation, and has since settled in India. Kamal is also thought to have sought sanctuary in India. The interim administration, led by Muhammad Yunus, has requested Hasina’s extradition, but India has yet to react.
In preparation for the ruling, security has been increased across the country. On Sunday evening, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali issued shoot-at-sight orders to anyone participating in arson, explosions, or attempts to attack police or civilians.
