Bangladesh on boil after Hasina sentenced to death; 2 killed
What's the story
Bangladesh witnessed violent clashes after the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity on Monday. The unrest erupted in multiple areas, including Dhaka, as supporters of Hasina's Awami League party and their rivals clashed with police. Authorities resorted to batons, sound grenades, and tear gas to disperse protesters who had blocked highways and marched through the capital city, Bangladeshi media reported. Two people have reportedly died in the violence.
Violence
College students march to destroy home of Hasina's father
The Dhanmondi 32 neighborhood, where the house of Hasina's father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is located, remained tense as demonstrators sought to march there and destroy the property. Dozens of Dhaka College students arrived with two bulldozers, vowing over loudspeakers to demolish the remaining portions of Rahman's home once the verdict was announced. Security personnel had blocked off the road, and as the mob attempted to push past the barriers, police attacked with batons and fired sound grenades to disperse them.
Protest escalation
Hasina's conviction sparks nationwide unrest
The ICT convicted Hasina on three counts: incitement to violence, ordering the killing of protesters, and failing to prevent atrocities during a student-led uprising. Her former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan was also sentenced to death in the same case. The verdict has been met with widespread protests across Bangladesh, including a two-day nationwide bandh called by the Awami League ahead of the ruling.
Exile aftermath
Hasina's exile and political tensions
Hasina, who has been living in exile in Delhi since her ouster on August 5 last year, has called the ruling "biased" and "politically motivated." She accused the tribunal of being a "rigged" body with no democratic mandate. The verdict comes just months before parliamentary elections due early February, which could alter Bangladesh's political dynamics significantly.
Diplomatic stance
India's response to Bangladesh's request for Hasina's return
In the wake of the unrest, Bangladesh has requested India to return Hasina and Kamal for their alleged roles in the July crackdown on student protests. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it "formally took note" of the ICT ruling against Hasina. The MEA added that India "remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh," emphasizing peace, democracy, inclusion, and stability.