Bangladesh Erupts in Protests Following Former PM Sheikh Hasina’s Death Sentence

Bangladesh witnessed a night of widespread unrest on Monday after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). The verdict triggered protests and acts of arson across at least five districts, with several vehicles set ablaze as tensions rapidly escalated.

The International Crimes Tribunal is a domestic special court system in Bangladesh tasked with prosecuting individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity committed during the 1971 Liberation War. The tribunal’s verdict marks one of the most high-profile rulings in recent Bangladeshi history, targeting a prominent political figure.

Sheikh Hasina was found guilty of crimes against humanity in connection with the demonstrations that took place in July 2024. The tribunal also convicted former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. While Mamun was pardoned, the court indicated that he would still face a “lenient sentence” due to the seriousness of the charges.

Following the announcement, violent protests quickly spread across major urban centers. Eyewitnesses reported that demonstrators torched vehicles and clashed with local authorities in multiple districts. Law enforcement personnel were deployed in several hotspots to contain the unrest, though sporadic violence persisted into the night.

The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for Bangladesh’s political landscape. Sheikh Hasina, a figure with a long-standing political career, has commanded significant support and loyalty among segments of the population. Analysts warn that the verdict could further polarize political factions and escalate tensions in the coming days.

The ICT has historically been a focal point for politically sensitive cases in Bangladesh, and this latest judgment is likely to reignite debates over judicial impartiality, accountability, and the legacy of political leaders involved in past unrest.

As the nation grapples with the immediate fallout, authorities have urged calm and called for restraint amid heightened tensions. The coming days will likely be critical in determining whether Bangladesh can stabilize in the wake of one of its most contentious judicial decisions in recent memory.