Bangladesh's Former Leader Faces Death Sentence: What Happened?

Bangladesh's former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, has been handed a death sentence. This comes after a trial where she was accused of serious crimes during student protests. The protests started over job quotas but grew into a bigger movement against her government. Over 1, 400 people died during these protests. Sheikh Hasina has been living in India since she was forced out of power last year. She says the trial was unfair and politically motivated. Her supporters agree, calling the verdict biased. The trial took place in Bangladesh's domestic war crimes court. Many expected her to be found guilty. The protests that led to her downfall were driven by anger over years of repression. Sheikh Hasina had been in power for 15 years. During her time in office, Bangladesh saw economic growth. However, her government also faced criticism for silencing opposition. There were reports of politically motivated arrests, disappearances, and extra-judicial killings. After Sheikh Hasina fled, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus took over as leader of an interim government. The Awami League, Sheikh Hasina's political party, has been banned. This ban has raised concerns about the upcoming elections scheduled for February 2026. The death sentence has sparked mixed reactions. Families of those killed in the protests want justice. They hope this verdict will bring them peace. However, others see it as a way to silence political opposition. The verdict has also created a diplomatic challenge for India and Bangladesh. Dhaka has asked for Sheikh Hasina's extradition, but India has not agreed. The future of Bangladesh's politics remains uncertain. The anger against Sheikh Hasina and her party has not faded. Without an apology or show of remorse, it will be hard for her party to regain public trust. The death sentence may offer some closure to the families of the victims, but it may not heal the country's deep political divisions.