Bangladesh Court Sentences Ex-Leader Hasina to Death in Absentia

A special tribunal in Bangladesh has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death. The court found her guilty of crimes against humanity for her role in a crackdown on mass protests. These student-led demonstrations ultimately led to the end of her 15-year rule in August 2024. The court convicted the 78-year-old on three charges. These include incitement, issuing orders to kill, and failing to prevent atrocities during the unrest. The judge ruled that she should be hanged for her actions. Hasina did not attend the trial. She has lived in self-exile in India since fleeing Bangladesh on August 5, 2024. The court delivered its verdict and sentence in her absence.