Bangladesh sentences seven Hasina-era leaders to death

Bangladesh has sentenced seven former leaders of ousted leader Sheikh Hasina's Awami League to death in absentia on Tuesday for their alleged role in suppressing a 2024 uprising. The seven, including two ex-ministers, were convicted of crimes against humanity such as murder and instigating killings. The tribunal, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, also ordered compensation for the families of those killed or injured.

Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam expressed satisfaction with the verdict. The 2024 protests resulted in the deaths of around 1,400 people, according to the UN. Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for 15 years until she was forced to flee to India in August 2024, was sentenced to death last November. Her supporters and legal representatives argued that she was not directly responsible for the killings.

The court further ordered the seizure of assets of five of the men to compensate for the losses suffered. This brings the total number of convictions in trials related to the 2024 protests to 68, with 22 receiving death sentences, though only four are currently in custody. Hasina has declined to accept the court's jurisdiction and has stated her intention to return to Bangladesh voluntarily in December, despite her death sentence. The new government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has requested her extradition.