Mon Nov 17 07:36:14 UTC 2025: Summary:

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for crimes against humanity related to a crackdown on student protests in 2024. Former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who testified against the others, received a five-year prison sentence. The verdict, delivered months before scheduled elections, has sparked protests and political turmoil. Hasina, currently in exile in India, denies the charges. The Bangladeshi government is demanding India extradite Hasina and Kamal, a request India has yet to respond to. The Awami League, Hasina’s party, rejects the verdict, while other political factions support it.

News Article:

Bangladesh Ex-PM Hasina Sentenced to Death for Crimes Against Humanity

Dhaka, Bangladesh – November 17, 2025 – Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her former Home Minister, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, have been sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka today. The tribunal found them guilty of crimes against humanity related to the government’s response to student-led protests in July-August 2024.

The charges stem from a deadly crackdown on demonstrations sparked by public discontent with the ousted Hasina government. Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who testified against Hasina and Kamal, was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in the crackdown.

The verdict, delivered just months before parliamentary elections scheduled for February, has ignited political tensions. Hasina, currently in exile in India, has denounced the charges as unjustified, stating that she and Kamal acted in good faith to minimize loss of life.

Bangladeshi Attorney-General Md Asaduzzaman stated that Hasina and Kamal, being fugitives in exile, cannot appeal the ruling. The court has ordered the seizure of all their properties within Bangladesh.

The Bangladeshi government is demanding that India extradite Hasina and Kamal, calling it an “obligatory responsibility” and warning that granting them asylum would be seen as an “unfriendly act.” India has not yet commented on the extradition request.

Supporters of Hasina’s Awami League party have protested the verdict, while other political groups, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, have expressed support for the ruling. Security has been tightened across the country in anticipation of further unrest.

Prior to the verdict, protestors attempted to demolish portions of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence, leading to clashes with security forces. The situation remains tense as Bangladesh navigates this politically charged period.

Read More