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.