Dhaka, October 18: A prosecutor in Bangladesh on Thursday called for the death penalty for ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina over crimes against humanity linked to a mass uprising in July–August 2024 that forced her to flee the country.
The International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka heard closing arguments from Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam, who also sought the death sentence for former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, citing the severity of their alleged crimes. The tribunal was asked to determine the sentence for former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who is in custody, had pleaded guilty, and is acting as a state witness against Hasina.
Hasina has been in exile in India since August 5, 2024, and did not appoint lawyers to represent her, previously dismissing the trial as a “kangaroo court.” A state-appointed lawyer has requested one week to present arguments. Proceedings are scheduled to continue on Monday.
During the protests, which lasted several weeks, hundreds of people including students, security personnel, and political activists were killed. The United Nations estimated up to 1,400 deaths, while the interim Bangladeshi government reported over 800 fatalities and around 14,000 injuries. Prosecutor Islam argued that Hasina “personally ordered the killings” and described her as the “mastermind and principal architect” of the violence.
The developments come amid heightened political tension in Bangladesh. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, heading the interim government since Hasina’s ouster, has banned her Awami League party and pledged to punish those responsible for the violence. Elections are planned for February 2026, but Awami League is currently barred from participating.
In parallel, 25 former and serving military officials, including ex-heads of military intelligence, have been indicted in three separate cases over enforced disappearances during Hasina’s 15-year rule. The military said 15 officers are in custody at Dhaka Cantonment, while several others are believed to have fled the country.
No immediate comment was available from Hasina’s party.
