Death Penalty Sought for Hasina

The Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing her of crimes against humanity during last year’s uprising that left up to 1,400 people dead.

The chief prosecutor of the war crimes tribunal said that Hasina was the “mastermind and principal architect” of the violence. He called for “the highest punishment,” saying she deserved 1,400 death sentences one for each victim.

Hasina, reportedly living in exile in New Delhi, has refused to appear before the court.

Student-led demonstrations over civil service job quotas swept across July and August 2024, toppling Hasina’s 15-year rule and forcing her to flee to India.

During the trial, prosecutors played an audio recording allegedly featuring Hasina ordering security forces to use lethal weapons against protesters, according to multiple media reports.

Interim government has asked India to extradite Hasina, but it remains unclear whether New Delhi will comply.