Bangladesh has been facing serious political turmoil ever since Muhammad Yunus took over as the Chief Adviser. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country last year and has been living in India. Now, a shocking update has come from Bangladesh: the International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death for alleged crimes against humanity.

The Yunus-led government filed this case after she fled, blaming her for decisions made during the student protests that took place last year. The court found her guilty of ordering a deadly crackdown on student protesters. Along with her, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun were also sentenced to death. Both had fled Bangladesh with Hasina. The court said all three worked together to carry out violence and kill protesters. It also stated that Hasina ordered forces to use drones, helicopters, and lethal weapons against protesters.

A video of the court announcing the verdict went viral, showing lawyers celebrating the decision. The government even appointed a lawyer on its own to defend Hasina — someone she had never met. What makes this more surprising is that this same tribunal was created by Hasina in 2010 to punish those who supported Pakistan during the 1971 Liberation War.

After the verdict, clashes broke out across Bangladesh, including in Dhaka. Two people were killed. Yunus has supported the ruling, and his government has asked India to hand Hasina over under the extradition treaty. However, Article 6 of the treaty allows refusal for political cases. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it remains committed to peace and stability in Bangladesh. Hasina has called the verdict biased and politically motivated. Elections in Bangladesh are set for 2026, but her Awami League party has been banned.

Tags

• Bangladesh crisis
• Sheikh Hasina death sentence

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