Dictator Sheikh Hasina's trial begins in Bangladesh in the ICT

In July–August 2024, a widespread student-led uprising led to over 1,400 deaths, according to UN estimates. The interim government accuses Hasina’s administration of ordering a brutal crackdown. As a result, Sheikh Hasina and key officials like Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun faced arrest warrants and multiple charges of crimes against humanity, including abetment, conspiracy, facilitation, complicity, and failure to prevent mass murder. Formal indictments were filed on July 10, 2025, framing five specific charges. Hasina fled Bangladesh via helicopter and has been living in self-imposed exile in India since early August 2024. Bangladesh has issued multiple extradition requests, but India has not responded.

On June 1, 2025, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) took formal cognizance of the charges and began the trial in absentia, broadcasting proceedings live for the first time. Lawyers representing Hasina were state-appointed, and she has not participated. Former IGP Mamun, who is in custody, has pleaded guilty and become a state witness—providing pivotal testimony. On August 3, 2025, the tribunal opened formal trial hearings. The first witness, a protest survivor, recounted police firing orders and urged justice. The prosecution calls for the maximum sentence, warning that evidence indicates Hasina orchestrated the crackdown. 

In a separate ruling, Hasina was sentenced in absentia in July 2025 to six months in prison for contempt of court. This stemmed from a leaked audio in which she reportedly claimed to have a “license to kill” in response to legal cases against her. 

Critics—including human rights advocates, Awami League supporters, and international observers—label the tribunal a “kangaroo court”. Chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam previously represented leaders of Jamaat‑e‑Islami, raising serious concerns about conflicts of interest. Hasina’s party—the Awami League—denounces the proceedings as a political show trial, intended to marginalize her and dismantle her political base, especially given the party has been banned from upcoming elections. 

Timeline Summary

DateEvent
August 5, 2024Hasina flees Bangladesh amid protests
Oct–Dec 2024Dozens of charges filed, extradition requests issued
June 1, 2025Trial officially begins in absentia
July 2, 2025Contempt conviction: six-month sentence issued
July 10, 2025Charges formally framed by ICT
August 3–4, 2025Formal trial hearings begin; prosecution calls for maximum penalty

Sheikh Hasina is now facing trial in absentia before Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal, accused of directing a deadly crackdown on protesters. While the prosecution asserts it holds strong, documentary evidence including witness testimonies and audio/video recordings, detractors argue the tribunal lacks impartiality and serves a partisan agenda. The legal and political stakes are high: if convicted, Hasina could face severe penalties, and her party remains excluded from upcoming elections.

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