Dhaka, Bangladesh – A court in Bangladesh has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death after convicting her of crimes against humanity. The verdict, delivered earlier today, marks a significant escalation in the political landscape of the nation.
Judge Ghulam Mortuza Mozumder announced the sentence in a packed courtroom in Dhaka, stating that Hasina was found guilty on three counts. These charges included inciting violence, issuing orders for killings, and failing to prevent atrocities. “We have decided to impose a single punishment upon her… that is death,” the judge declared.
The ruling, broadcast live on national television, concluded a months-long trial. The court determined that Sheikh Hasina issued orders for the violent suppression of a student uprising that occurred last year. The judge emphasized that “all the elements constituting crimes against humanity have been met.”
The 78-year-old former Prime Minister reportedly refused to comply with court orders to return from India to attend her trial. The absence has fueled further controversy surrounding the proceedings.
The sentencing is likely to trigger widespread protests and political instability in Bangladesh. Security measures have been heightened across the country in anticipation of unrest. This decision has far-reaching implications for the future of Bangladeshi politics. The international community is closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds.
