Bangladesh's Ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death in Crackdown on Protesters
In a shocking verdict, a special tribunal in Bangladesh has sentenced ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for her role in the violent crackdown on protesters that killed hundreds of people last year. The sentence was handed down after a 15-year rule by Hasina's Awami League party.
The trial, which took place in absentia since Hasina fled to India, focused on charges of crimes against humanity related to the July and August student-led uprising that resulted in up to 1,400 deaths, according to the UN. The tribunal also sentenced former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan to death for his alleged role in the violence.
A third suspect, a former police chief who turned state witness against Hasina's party, was given a five-year prison sentence after pleading guilty. The verdict has sparked widespread unrest across Bangladesh, with protests and riots breaking out in major cities, including Dhaka.
In response to the sentencing, Hasina's Awami League party called for a nationwide shutdown, which has disrupted classes and transportation across the country. The interim government had warned of "shoot-on-sight" orders if anyone attempts to torch vehicles or hurl crude bombs.
Critics argue that the tribunal was not impartial and unfairly targeted Hasina's party. Shireen Huq, a Dhaka-based human rights activist who works with people injured during the unrest, said that the sentence would not bring closure for the families of those killed in the crackdown.
"She will never be able to forgive her," Huq said, adding that many people still harbor anger towards Hasina's party due to its alleged role in the violence. The verdict has also raised concerns about human rights and the rule of law in Bangladesh.
The interim government had requested the deployment of soldiers around the tribunal premises ahead of the sentencing, amid reports of explosions and arson attacks across the country. Security forces have been deployed in major cities, including Dhaka, to maintain order.
As news of the sentencing spread, protests broke out on the streets of Dhaka, with protesters blocking roads and burning vehicles. The city's police chief issued a warning of swift action against anyone attempting to disrupt public order.
In a shocking verdict, a special tribunal in Bangladesh has sentenced ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for her role in the violent crackdown on protesters that killed hundreds of people last year. The sentence was handed down after a 15-year rule by Hasina's Awami League party.
The trial, which took place in absentia since Hasina fled to India, focused on charges of crimes against humanity related to the July and August student-led uprising that resulted in up to 1,400 deaths, according to the UN. The tribunal also sentenced former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan to death for his alleged role in the violence.
A third suspect, a former police chief who turned state witness against Hasina's party, was given a five-year prison sentence after pleading guilty. The verdict has sparked widespread unrest across Bangladesh, with protests and riots breaking out in major cities, including Dhaka.
In response to the sentencing, Hasina's Awami League party called for a nationwide shutdown, which has disrupted classes and transportation across the country. The interim government had warned of "shoot-on-sight" orders if anyone attempts to torch vehicles or hurl crude bombs.
Critics argue that the tribunal was not impartial and unfairly targeted Hasina's party. Shireen Huq, a Dhaka-based human rights activist who works with people injured during the unrest, said that the sentence would not bring closure for the families of those killed in the crackdown.
"She will never be able to forgive her," Huq said, adding that many people still harbor anger towards Hasina's party due to its alleged role in the violence. The verdict has also raised concerns about human rights and the rule of law in Bangladesh.
The interim government had requested the deployment of soldiers around the tribunal premises ahead of the sentencing, amid reports of explosions and arson attacks across the country. Security forces have been deployed in major cities, including Dhaka, to maintain order.
As news of the sentencing spread, protests broke out on the streets of Dhaka, with protesters blocking roads and burning vehicles. The city's police chief issued a warning of swift action against anyone attempting to disrupt public order.
... 15 years of rule by one person is crazy, and now this is how it ends? death sentence for her role in the crackdown on protesters... its not fair 
. i just cant imagine how the families of those who lost their lives are going to cope with this... the whole thing feels like a conspiracy, like she was just scapegoated for the government's own mistakes 
. bangladesh needs some serious soul-searching right now, and it starts with questioning how its justice system can be so flawed 
this sentence is like something straight outta a dystopian novel - death penalty for a political leader? it feels so extreme even for the most heinous crimes... and have you seen the numbers of people killed in that crackdown? 1,400? it's mind-boggling. I feel so bad for the families of those who lost their lives. how can one person be held accountable for such chaos? 
. And what really gets me is how this verdict is gonna affect the families of all those people who lost their lives during the unrest. It's not like this sentence is gonna bring them closure or anything 
. I'm also super worried about the state of human rights and rule of law in Bangladesh right now... it's like, can't we just have a peaceful transition of power without all this drama? 
The fact that protests are breaking out everywhere and there are reports of explosions and arson attacks is just so concerning 
. I'm keeping an eye on this situation to see how things play out... fingers crossed for peace and stability in Bangladesh 
! It seems like "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" and it's not going down without a fight 
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This verdict is just crazy! I mean, I get it, people lost their lives during that crackdown, but executing the former PM? It's just so extreme. I feel bad for Hasina's family and loved ones, she must be going through a tough time right now 
. I hope everyone stays safe and calm, but I gotta wonder... how did this trial even happen? Was it fair for the tribunal? 
and what's with the "shoot-on-sight" orders? that sounds so scary!