Sheikh Hasina’s Political Legacy at Stake: Why Her Death Sentence Shakes Bangladesh
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death in absentia by a Dhaka tribunal for crimes against humanity. This verdict not only threatens her legacy but could reshape Bangladesh’s political future.
In a historic and deeply divisive verdict, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed to death. The court accused her of crimes against humanity linked to a brutal crackdown on student-led protests.
This decision comes after her ouster in 2024 and while she remains exiled in India. It threatens to change her political legacy, impacting not just her party but the entire country.
1. The Verdict: What Sheikh Hasina Was Convicted Of
The tribunal found Hasina guilty on three counts that carried the death penalty, along with additional life sentences on other charges. Key allegations include incitement to use lethal force, ordering the deployment of helicopters and drones against protesters, and failing to stop mass killings during the 2024 uprising. Reports indicate that up to 1,400 people were killed, mostly by security forces, during what has been termed the “July Revolution.” The tribunal’s 453-page ruling provides forensic evidence, audio recordings, and testimony that supported the convictions.
2. Hasina’s Reaction: Political Revenge or Justice?
Now 78, Hasina has labeled the trial and verdict as “biased” and politically motivated. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, strongly criticized the process, calling it a “mockery of justice” and claiming that laws were changed to ensure her conviction. Wazed also warned of political unrest, suggesting that if Hasina’s party is excluded from upcoming elections, protests could intensify.
3. National Reaction: Divisions Grow Sharper
The BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and some student activists who supported the 2024 revolt praised the verdict as a significant blow against authoritarianism. However, many former Awami League loyalists and Hasina’s allies view the sentence as a political coup, accusing the interim government of using a tribunal for revenge. Observers fear that the verdict could widen political divides, especially with future elections approaching.
4. Implications for Hasina’s Legacy
A Long Reign Under Scrutiny
Hasina ruled Bangladesh for 15 years before her ousting. Critics now argue that her legacy of stability is marred by human rights abuses, secret prisons, and attacks on dissent.
From Power to Exile
Her sentence in absentia marks a dramatic shift for a leader who once held significant power. Now in self-exile, she faces not only legal condemnation but also a lasting blemish on her reputation.
Judiciary Under Fire
Ironically, the tribunal that sentenced her was established under her own government. This raises concerns about how judicial institutions are being utilized in Bangladesh’s current political climate.
5. What’s Next: Uncertain Future for Bangladesh
Hasina has limited legal options from India, where she currently lives. The international community is observing closely. Some rights groups have criticized the death penalty, even for serious crimes, due to human rights concerns. With security heightened in Dhaka, there are increasing fears of instability, especially as the country prepares for upcoming elections.
Conclusion: A Legacy on the Brink
Sheikh Hasina’s death sentence does not just close a chapter; it may rewrite her entire legacy. Once a powerful figure in Bangladeshi politics, she now stands convicted of the very abuses many accused her of during her time in office. Whether her sentence is seen as justice or revenge, the verdict has undoubtedly transformed the political landscape.
Only time will reveal how this dramatic judgment will affect Bangladesh’s future and whether Hasina’s legacy will be remembered as that of a visionary leader or a symbol of a profoundly divided nation.