In a dramatic turn of events, a prosecutor in Bangladesh’s special domestic tribunal has called for the death penalty for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing her of crimes against humanity during last year’s mass uprising. The violent protests in July and August 2024 resulted in the deaths of hundreds, including students, security officials, and political activists. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam, presenting his closing arguments at the International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka, also demanded the death sentence for former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, citing the severity of his alleged crimes. The fate of former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who has pleaded guilty and turned state witness, was left to the tribunal’s discretion. Hasina, who has been in exile in India since August 5 last year, did not appoint legal representation, dismissing the trial as a “kangaroo court.” Meanwhile, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, who assumed leadership of the interim government after Hasina’s ouster, has vowed to hold her accountable and banned her Awami League party’s activities. The United Nations estimates up to 1,400 deaths during the uprising, though Hasina’s party disputes these figures and calls for independent investigations. The case has further escalated political tensions in Bangladesh, with 25 former and serving military officials indicted for enforced disappearances during Hasina’s 15-year rule. Yunus has promised elections in February to transition power to a democratically elected government, though the Awami League remains barred from participation.
Bangladesh prosecution seeks death penalty for ex-PM Sheikh Hasina over protest killings
