Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity over last year’s violent crackdown on student-led protests, a special tribunal ruled.
The tribunal found Hasina responsible for ordering security forces to suppress demonstrations, which the UN estimates left up to 1,400 people dead, most from gunfire. The trial was held in her absence, as Hasina has been living in exile in India since being forced from power.
In comments to the BBC last week, Hasina described the trial as a “kangaroo court”. She has rejected the verdict and is unlikely to return to face it, raising questions over potential extradition from India, which is expected to resist any pressure.
Security across Bangladesh has been heightened amid fears of unrest. Some protests reportedly broke out this morning, prompting authorities to deploy additional police to key areas.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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