Bangladesh Court Sentences Sheikh Hasina-Era Minister, Six Others to Death Over Student Protest Crackdown

A Bangladesh tribunal on Tuesday sentenced seven senior figures of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League, including two former ministers, to death in absentia for their alleged roles in the violent crackdown on the 2024 student-led uprising.

The seven were found guilty of crimes against humanity, including murder, as well as inciting and encouraging violence during protests that ultimately ended Hasina’s 15-year rule.

Among those handed the death penalty were former Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader and former minister Mohammad Ali Arafat. The verdict was delivered by a three-member tribunal headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury.

Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam welcomed the ruling, saying the prosecution was satisfied with the outcome.

The United Nations has estimated that as many as 1,400 people were killed during the unrest between July and August 2024, when security forces and the government moved to suppress the student demonstrations.

Hasina left Bangladesh in August 2024 and travelled by helicopter to neighbouring India, where she remains. She was separately sentenced to death in absentia in November 2025.

The defence challenged the case against the seven accused, arguing that they had not directly participated in the killings. State-appointed defence lawyer M Hasan Imam said the men were being punished because of the actions of activists and supporters associated with them.

The other five leaders sentenced to death are AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Saddam Hussain and Sheikh Wali Asif Enan.

The tribunal also directed that half of the assets belonging to five of the convicted men be distributed as compensation to families of people who were killed or injured during the uprising.

What Happens Next?

Tuesday’s ruling brings the number of people convicted in cases stemming from the 2024 protests to 68. Twenty-two of those convicted have received death sentences, although only four are currently in custody.

Hasina has rejected the proceedings against her and has refused to recognise the tribunal’s authority.

The government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, which came to power after sweeping the February elections—the first national polls since Hasina’s removal—has repeatedly sought her extradition from India.

Hasina, 78, has indicated that she plans to return to Bangladesh voluntarily in December, despite the death sentence against her.