Sheikh Hasina is being tried by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on charges of crimes against humanity. The prosecution accuses her of having “incited, ordered killings” during a brutal crackdown on protests, allegedly resulting in ~1,400 deaths. The chief prosecutor even said she “deserved 1,400 death sentences” (one for each alleged killing), though practically they are asking for at least one death sentence.
Families of victims from the “July Uprising” (student-led protests) want Hasina to be “brought back … and hanged.” Some political voices are very strong: For example, Sarjis Alam (NCP leader) said, “Until we see Hasina on the gallows … no one should talk about elections.”
Hasina is currently in exile in India (she left Bangladesh in August 2024) and is being tried in absentia. Because she’s not present in Bangladesh, executing a death sentence (if one is given) would be complicated unless she is extradited. Some have called for extradition.
According to court reports, there is a very real risk she could receive the death penalty. But as of now (based on public reports), there isn’t a confirmed and executed “gallows” punishment yet — it’s a possibility being sought / demanded.
