What's happened
On November 17, 2025, Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death in absentia for crimes against humanity linked to a deadly crackdown on 2024 student protests. Hasina, exiled in India since August 2024, denies the charges and calls the trial politically motivated. The verdict precedes February 2026 elections where her Awami League party is banned amid rising unrest and security concerns.
What's behind the headline?
Political Fallout and Stability Risks
The death sentence against Sheikh Hasina marks an unprecedented legal and political turning point in Bangladesh. It is the first time a former head of government has been convicted of crimes against humanity in the country, and the trial's in absentia nature and political context deepen divisions.
Polarization and Election Challenges
The interim government faces a fraught path to credible elections. The exclusion of the Awami League, coupled with threats from Hasina's son to block the vote, risks violent unrest. Security forces are stretched amid recent bombings and arson attacks, raising doubts about the state's capacity to maintain order.
International Relations and Extradition Stalemate
India's refusal to extradite Hasina strains bilateral ties and complicates Bangladesh's pursuit of justice. New Delhi's cautious stance reflects concerns over due process and regional stability.
Human Rights and Trial Legitimacy
Human rights groups express mixed views: while acknowledging the need for accountability, they question the fairness of the trial and the use of the death penalty. The interim government must convince the international community of the tribunal's credibility to avoid diplomatic isolation.
Forecast
Bangladesh will likely remain politically unstable through the February elections. The interim government must balance reform demands with security imperatives, while managing polarized factions. The Awami League's future hinges on internal reforms and leadership renewal, as Hasina's political comeback appears unlikely in the near term.
What the papers say
Reuters journalist Krishna N. Das reports on the government's demand for Hasina's extradition from India and the resulting diplomatic strain, highlighting the calls for her immediate execution by victims' families and the threats of election disruption by her supporters. The Japan Times emphasizes the unprecedented nature of the conviction and the potential for increased political tensions. The Independent provides detailed analysis of the election challenges ahead, quoting analysts like Michael Kugelman who warn of high polarization and violence risks, and Sabir Mustafa who critiques the trial's fairness and the Awami League's need for reform. Al Jazeera reveals secret recordings suggesting Hasina ordered lethal force, while also reporting her defiant rejection of the trial as a "jurisprudential joke." Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International raise concerns about trial fairness and the death penalty, contrasting with the UN's recognition of the verdict as significant for victims. These varied perspectives illustrate the complex interplay of justice, politics, and stability in Bangladesh's current crisis.
How we got here
Sheikh Hasina ruled Bangladesh for 15 years before a 2024 student-led uprising forced her into exile in India. The protests, sparked by grievances over government job quotas, escalated into violent clashes killing up to 1,400 people, according to the UN. An interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took power, banning Hasina's Awami League party and promising reforms ahead of elections scheduled for February 2026.
Go deeper
- What led to Sheikh Hasina's exile and trial?
- How will the February 2026 elections be affected by the Awami League ban?
- What is the international community's response to the trial and verdict?
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What Are the Charges Against Sheikh Hasina?
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Why Was Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death in Bangladesh?
In November 2025, Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity related to a deadly crackdown during student protests. Her exile in India and the political turmoil surrounding her trial have sparked widespread debate. Many wonder about the reasons behind her sentencing, its political implications, and what it means for Bangladesh's future. Below, we explore the key questions about this unprecedented case and its impact on the region.
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