A Bangladeshi court is expected to deliver the verdict today in the crimes against humanity case against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid. Foreign media reports say security around the courthouse has been tightened as authorities prepare for a high-profile and politically sensitive decision.
Prosecutors have asked the court to hand down the death penalty, accusing Hasina of ordering a deadly crackdown that killed an estimated 1,400 protesters during student-led demonstrations in mid-2024. The violence, described by the UN as the worst since Bangladesh’s 1971 independence war, left thousands injured and caused major disruption across the country, including severe losses to its garment industry.
Hasina, who has been living in exile in New Delhi since August 2024, denies all allegations and says the case is politically motivated. She insists the trial is designed to punish her after her 15 years in power ended and an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took control. The International Crimes Tribunal, which is handling the case, has rejected claims of bias and says all proceedings have been transparent.
Her son and adviser, Sajeeb Wazed, warned that supporters of the Awami League will not allow the upcoming February election to proceed unless the ban on the party is lifted. He said protests will continue and could turn violent, claiming the verdict is already clear and that Hasina will “probably be sentenced to death.” Wazed added that India is providing her full security and treating her “like a head of state.”
The interim government has dismissed accusations of political revenge. Officials say there will be no dialogue with the Awami League until it shows remorse for the alleged crimes and accepts the accountability process. The party’s registration was suspended earlier this year, and its activities remain banned under national security concerns.
Meanwhile, tension is rising across Dhaka. Several crude bomb explosions were reported over the weekend, and dozens of buses have been set on fire in recent days. Police have detained Awami League activists on suspicion of sabotage. More than 400 Border Guards have been deployed, checkpoints strengthened, and public gatherings restricted to prevent further unrest.
Wazed says the Awami League is prepared for a long fight and is already coordinating protests inside the country. He claims demonstrations are growing and will intensify in the coming days. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, expected to lead the next government, has not commented on the situation.
With the verdict just hours away, Bangladesh faces one of the most volatile moments in its recent history. The outcome could shape the country’s political future, influence the upcoming elections, and determine whether the unrest worsens or calms in the days ahead.
