A court in Dhaka has sentenced former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to death in a high-profile trial linked to last year’s violent protests and the government crackdown that followed. The ruling, handed down on 17 November 2025, has sent shockwaves through Bangladesh and the region, triggered fresh protests, and raised complex legal and diplomatic questions about extradition and appeals. Below is a clear, easy-to-follow breakdown of what happened, what the sentence means, and what may come next.
What the verdict says — the basic facts
A special tribunal in Dhaka found Sheikh Hasina guilty of crimes against humanity related to a violent crackdown on student-led protests in mid-2024. The court convicted her in absentia and sentenced her to death for a range of charges that include ordering lethal force during the unrest. Hasina, who left Bangladesh and is reported to be in India, was tried while not present in the courtroom. Major international and regional outlets reported the conviction and sentence on 17 November 2025.
How we know this is not just a rumor
Multiple respected news organisations are carrying the same core facts: the tribunal’s decision, the date of the ruling, and Bangladesh’s request for Hasina’s extradition from India. Reporting by Reuters, Al Jazeera, the Financial Times and other outlets all confirm the conviction and sentence. When several independent, high-quality outlets report the same judicial outcome, this moves the story beyond “rumor” into verified breaking news.
Why this case has been so contentious
The trial grew out of the July–August 2024 protests that toppled Hasina’s government. Authorities say hundreds or more were killed in crackdowns that followed, and the interim government later launched prosecutions. Supporters of the tribunal view the ruling as accountability for alleged abuses; critics and many international rights groups have expressed concern about the fairness and political context of trials that target former officials. The prosecution had sought the maximum penalty, and the bench delivered that for the most serious charges.
Hasina’s position and the extradition question
Sheikh Hasina denies wrongdoing and her camp calls the trial politically motivated. Because she is reported to be in India, Dhaka has formally asked New Delhi to extradite her to face punishment. Extradition between countries is governed by treaties and political decisions; India has already faced diplomatic pressure to respond, and New Delhi’s position will play a decisive role in whether Bangladesh can enforce the sentence. Historically, extradition requests involving high-profile political figures become diplomatic as well as legal matters.
Legal avenues and appeals
Even where a death sentence is imposed, legal systems generally allow for appeals and reviews. Some jurisdictions permit appeals to higher courts, review petitions, or clemency requests. Because this conviction was delivered in absentia, international legal experts note there are often additional procedures available to the defence, and the political context may complicate or prolong any practical enforcement. Independent legal commentary and human rights organisations are expected to monitor whether due process rights were respected and whether Hasina will have meaningful appeal options.
Immediate public reaction and unrest
The verdict sparked immediate unrest and demonstrations in Bangladesh. News reports describe protests, clashes with security forces and a tense atmosphere in Dhaka and other cities. Families of protesters killed in 2024 expressed relief and a sense of justice, while supporters of Hasina voiced anger and warned of political instability. The security situation remains fluid; authorities have been reported to deploy forces to restore order.
Regional and international response
Countries in the region and global observers are watching closely. Some governments and diplomats have urged calm and called for respect for the rule of law, while human rights groups have urged that any judicial process should meet international standards for fairness. India’s official statements emphasise careful handling of bilateral relations and the “best interests” of both countries as the situation develops. How major partners respond could influence both Bangladesh’s domestic politics and regional diplomacy.
What this means politically inside Bangladesh
The verdict deepens an already sharp political divide. The interim government that replaced Hasina’s administration made accountability a central pledge; supporters see the verdict as fulfillment of that promise. Opponents and some analysts, however, say politically charged trials risk further polarising society and undermining trust in institutions. The coming weeks and months will show whether the country moves toward reconciliation or further confrontation.
Practical next steps to watch
Will India extradite Hasina? How will Bangladesh’s higher courts and international lawyers respond? Will the United Nations or major rights bodies seek access or review? Watch for official announcements from Dhaka and New Delhi, any filed appeals, and statements from international legal organisations. These are the key developments that will determine whether the sentence is carried out, delayed, or overturned.
Disclaimer: Some images in this article are AI-generated for illustrative purposes and do not represent real photographs.