Bangladesh Prosecutors Demand Death Penalty for Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina Over 1,400 Murders
Dhaka — Prosecutors in Bangladesh have demanded the death penalty for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is accused of orchestrating a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising in 2024. The prosecution has argued that Hasina, who fled to India last year, should be held accountable for up to 1,400 deaths resulting from violent clashes during the protests.
The trial, which opened in June, is being conducted in absentia as Hasina refuses to return to Bangladesh to face charges. Prosecutors argue that Hasina, 78, was the central figure behind the violence that erupted in July and August 2024. According to the United Nations, at least 1,400 people were killed in the clashes, which were sparked by student demonstrations demanding political reforms.
Chief prosecutor Tajul Islam stated, “We demand the highest punishment for her. For a single murder, one death penalty is the rule. For 1,400 murders, she should be sentenced 1,400 times. But since that is not possible, we demand at least one.”
Alleged Role in Mass Killings
The prosecution claims that Hasina was directly responsible for ordering security forces to use lethal force against the protesters. Witnesses have testified that gunfire and other forms of violence were used to suppress the protests, which were seen as an attempt to challenge Hasina’s long-standing grip on power.
Prosecutors have presented audio recordings suggesting that Hasina ordered security forces to “use lethal weapons” against the demonstrators, with orders to shoot “wherever they find them.” These recordings, which were verified by the police, form a key part of the case against her.
The charges include failure to prevent murder, which under Bangladeshi law constitutes crimes against humanity. Hasina’s former interior minister, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, is also implicated in the case and remains a fugitive, while former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun has been arrested and pleaded guilty.
Hasina’s Response and Political Tensions
Hasina, who is already serving a six-month prison sentence for contempt of court in absentia, denies the charges against her. Her party, the Awami League, has categorically rejected the accusations, and Hasina herself has refused to recognize the court’s authority.
The trial comes at a time of heightened political tensions in Bangladesh, as the country prepares for elections in February 2025. While Hasina is celebrated for overseeing significant economic growth, she has faced criticism for human rights abuses, including the imprisonment of political rivals, media crackdowns, and the killing of opposition activists.
The case against Hasina has divided the nation, with some supporters hailing her for her leadership during Bangladesh’s independence, while critics accuse her of turning into a ruthless ruler who will go to any length to maintain power.
Ongoing Legal and Political Challenges
In addition to the current charges, Hasina faces ongoing corruption cases. Her daughter, Saima Wazed, a former senior UN official, and her niece, British lawmaker Tulip Siddiq, are also implicated in corruption charges, which they deny.
As the trial nears its conclusion, the political fate of Hasina and the future of Bangladesh’s leadership remain uncertain. The prosecution’s call for the death penalty has brought attention to the deepening political crisis in the country, highlighting the bitter divide between Hasina’s supporters and detractors.
The outcome of this trial, and the potential consequences for Hasina, could have far-reaching implications for Bangladesh’s political landscape as the nation approaches its next general election.
