Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Sentenced in Absentia Over Crackdown on Protesters
A Bangladeshi court sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her ex-Interior Minister, and former Police Chief Abdullah al-Mamun for authorizing lethal force against protesters. Hasina denies the charges; only the Police Chief attended the trial.
A special court in Bangladesh has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her former Interior Minister, and ex-Police Chief Abdullah al-Mamun for their roles in authorizing excessive use of force against protesters and failing to prevent human rights abuses.
The court detailed the scale of violence during demonstrations, noting that security forces under the former government used lethal methods against civilians. The ruling concluded that the officials were responsible for approving actions that led to widespread casualties and human rights violations.
Sheikh Hasina has denied all charges, dismissing United Nations reports that hundreds of people were killed during the crackdown. Following the protests, she left Bangladesh and has been residing in India, where the trial proceeded in absentia. Only former Police Chief Abdullah al-Mamun was present at the sentencing.
Observers say the verdict is a significant moment in Bangladesh’s judicial history, as it addresses accountability for high-ranking officials involved in state violence against civilians. Human rights groups are closely monitoring the situation for its implications on governance and political accountability in the country.
