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The ex-prime minister of Bangladesh has been handed capital punishment for crimes against humanity due to her severe measures on protests led by students which led to her removal from power.

Hasina was declared culpable of permitting fatal actions to be used against demonstrators, with approximately 1,400 individuals were killed during the unrest in the previous year.

The trial proceeded in absentia by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh, since she went into exile in India following her ouster in July 2024.

Prosecutors accused her of being behind numerous deaths during the protests. Hasina has denied the entire case, labeling the proceedings as "unfair and agenda-driven".

This judgment represents a decisive point for Bangladesh, as the protests brought forth resentment over long-standing suppression. Families of those killed and harmed had called for strict sentences.

Reacting to the verdict in a comprehensive declaration, Hasina said the capital punishment was the caretaker administration's way of "nullifying [her party] the Awami League" as a governing body and that she was proud of her leadership's history on individual freedoms.

"I do not fear to confront those accusing me in a proper tribunal where the proof can be evaluated and reviewed impartially."

The nation's capital, Dhaka, where the court convened, was under enhanced protection ahead of the decision on Monday, with several of her detractors staging a rally and applauding as the verdict was read.

Dhaka experienced a sudden increase in disturbances, with numerous incendiary devices set off and coaches ignited in the days leading up to the verdict.

One explosive incident was reported in Dhaka on Monday morning, with no casualties reported, regional security representative Jisanul Haque informed media outlets.

The protest movement led by students during 2024 commenced through demands to abolish public sector reservation policies but evolved into a more extensive dissent initiative.

UN human rights investigators stated in a document in February that the nearly 1,400 casualties could amount to "crimes against humanity".

The paper detailed the shooting at point-blank range of a number of activists, the deliberate maiming of further participants, unwarranted detentions and mistreatment.

Unauthorized recordings of one of Hasina's phone calls confirmed by media examinations in previous months implied she had authorized the use of "lethal weapons" in July 2024. The audio was played in court during the proceedings.

Prior to the ruling, relatives of those who died in the demonstrations stated to news agencies they wanted the former leader to face strict penalties.

Ramjan Ali, whose brother was shot dead in July 2024, said he wanted "strict sentence" for her and co-accused who have "performed revengeful deeds and misused their authority".

Another relative, whose spouse died near Dhaka in August 2024, said she wanted Hasina's sentence to be "implemented before the election".

"Exclusively thereafter the relatives of the deceased [in the protests] will find peace in their minds."

Since Hasina's ousting, an temporary leadership led by economist Muhammad Yunus has assumed power. A national vote is scheduled for February 2026.

However, the her former political organization, the former ruling party, was banned by Bangladesh's interim government in May.

Hasina warned in the previous month that if the the League's representatives were barred from participating in the imminent electoral process, numerous would avoid the ballot.

The judgment creates a diplomatic challenge for both nations. Authorities have sought her return but until now India has shown no willingness to comply.

Hasina's state-appointed lawyer the defense lawyer said he was "unhappy and desiring the decision had been otherwise".

"I even cannot appeal because my defendants are not present; which is why I am disappointed," he stated further.

Recently, the defense attorneys said they had filed an urgent appeal to the UN raising significant due process and judicial process problems at the ICT.

The former leader faced trial together with her ex-interior minister and police chief.

While the sentence provides certain resolution to kin of victims in the protests, it may do little to soothe the country's political divisions.

"The resentment towards Hasina and the the former ruling faction has not diminished," a civil liberties campaigner in Dhaka stated to news organizations. "The leader and her faction has said sorry or shown any remorse for the deaths of numerous individuals."

The advocate declared "This complicates matters for the organization to receive endorsement by a most citizens in this nation."

The activist added that the sentence was not finality for the relatives of those who died and were wounded.

"We support numerous persons who lost their limbs forever, they are now disabled, due to the crackdown. They are incapable of excusing her."

A journalist, a commentator on the nation's politics, said the "inherent character of the guilty verdict could make it particularly hard" for Awami League to become a standard element of the country's governance system again.

This could alter if "a form of contrition emerges and a separation from Sheikh Hasina and the previous administration," he said.