Why Sheikh Hasina Got the Phansi Verdict: Key Reasons & Background

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Death Sentence Verdict

• A special International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death in absentia, convicting her of crimes against humanity.
• The verdict was pronounced live on national television.

Charges Against Her

• She has been found guilty on three major counts: incitement, ordering killings, and failure to prevent atrocities.
• According to the tribunal, she authorized the use of helicopters, drones, and lethal weapons against protesters.
• Other charges include orchestrating mass killings, disposing of bodies to hide evidence, and coordinating violent operations against demonstrators.

Casualties from 2024 Protests

• The verdict centers on her government’s brutal crackdown during the 2024 student-led protests.
• According to UN and tribunal sources, up to 1,400 people may have been killed, mostly at the hands of security forces.

Political Motivations & Accusations

• Hasina strongly denies the charges, calling the tribunal “rigged” and politically motivated.
• She argues the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus is using the trial as a revenge tactic and to weaken her Awami League party.
• Her party, the Awami League, has called for a nationwide shutdown (strike) in protest of the verdict.

Trial in Absentia & Exile

• Hasina was tried in absentia; she currently lives in exile in India.
• Bangladesh has called on India to extradite Hasina, but India has not yet agreed.
  

Human Rights Concerns

• International organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have raised serious concerns that the trial may not have met international fair trial standards.
• The UN rights office has also expressed regret over the use of the death penalty in this case.
  

Security & Political Fallout

• After the verdict, security was tightened across Dhaka, with a heavy deployment of police, army, and paramilitary forces.
• Supporters of Hasina have held mass protests and roadblocks, especially in her home stronghold, showing their anger and unrest.
• Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, has warned of possible political retribution if her party’s ban is not lifted.

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Credits – Al Jazeera, The Guardian, India Today, Human Rights Watch