Bangladesh faces political turmoil as the country's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina receives a death sentence from a special war crimes tribunal, sparking massive protests across the nation.
Historic Verdict Against Former Leader
The International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh delivered a landmark judgment on November 17, 2025, sentencing 78-year-old Sheikh Hasina to death. The verdict also condemned former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to the same punishment for their alleged involvement in crimes against humanity.
Notably, the trial proceeded in absentia, meaning neither Hasina nor Kamal were present in court when the verdict was announced. The charges relate to historical events that the tribunal classified as severe human rights violations.
Nationwide Protests Until Month's End
In response to what they call a politically motivated verdict, Hasina's political party has announced extensive nationwide demonstrations that will continue through November 30. The protest movement aims to challenge the court's decision and mobilize public support for the embattled former leader.
Party officials have declared these protests as a decisive movement against what they perceive as judicial overreach and political persecution. The demonstrations are expected to draw significant numbers of supporters from across Bangladesh's political spectrum.
Regional Implications and Future Outlook
This development marks a significant escalation in Bangladesh's ongoing political tensions. The death sentence against a former prime minister represents one of the most dramatic moments in the country's recent political history.
International observers are closely monitoring the situation, concerned about potential instability in South Asia. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the protests gain momentum and how the government responds to this challenge to its authority.
The verdict and subsequent protests have already begun reshaping Bangladesh's political landscape, with implications that could extend beyond the November 30 protest deadline and influence the country's direction for years to come.
