In a dramatic escalation of Bangladesh’s political and legal crisis, prosecutors have demanded the death penalty for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing her of gross misuse of power, corruption, and alleged human rights violations during her tenure. The development has sent shockwaves through Dhaka’s political establishment and further deepened tensions between the ruling authorities and Hasina’s supporters.
Prosecutors’ Demand
The demand was made during a special tribunal session in Dhaka on Thursday. According to prosecutors, the former prime minister is facing multiple charges linked to what they describe as “abuse of authority and actions that endangered the constitutional order of the country.”
“Given the seriousness of the charges, the prosecution requests the highest punishment permissible under the law,” lead prosecutor Mahmud Karim told the court. “The accused misused the office of the prime minister to consolidate power and commit acts that severely harmed the state.”
The prosecution alleges that during Hasina’s rule, state institutions were weaponized against political opponents, resulting in what they termed “systematic rights abuses” and financial irregularities involving major state contracts.
Political Shockwaves
The case has thrown Bangladesh’s already fragile political climate into turmoil. Hasina, who ruled the country for more than a decade, remains one of its most polarizing political figures. Her supporters — many within the opposition — have dismissed the charges as politically motivated, claiming they are part of a broader campaign to silence dissent.
Outside the courthouse, crowds of supporters gathered to protest the prosecution’s demand, chanting slogans and holding banners calling for her release. Security was tightened across Dhaka, with hundreds of police and paramilitary personnel deployed to prevent unrest.
“We will not accept this injustice,” one supporter said. “This is a political witch hunt.”
Hasina’s Legal Defense
Hasina’s legal team has strongly denied all charges, calling the prosecution’s claims “baseless and fabricated.” Defense attorney Rehana Akhtar told reporters that the case was an attempt to “rewrite political history” and “eliminate a popular leader through legal means.”
“Sheikh Hasina has dedicated her life to the service of this country,” Akhtar said. “This trial has nothing to do with justice and everything to do with politics.”
Hasina has remained in custody since her arrest earlier this year amid sweeping anti-corruption and political crackdown operations. She has not made a public statement since the prosecution’s demand, but close aides have vowed to continue fighting the charges.
International Reactions
The prosecution’s demand has drawn significant international attention. Several human rights organizations and foreign governments have called for due process and expressed concern about the political climate in Bangladesh.
The United Nations Human Rights Office said it was “closely monitoring developments” and urged Dhaka to ensure that the trial meets international fair trial standards. Western diplomats have also privately expressed concern over the potential fallout if the case escalates further.
What’s Next
The tribunal is expected to hear the defense’s closing arguments in the coming weeks before delivering its verdict. If the court rules in favor of the prosecution, Hasina could face the death penalty — a decision likely to spark massive domestic and international repercussions.
For now, the trial stands as a defining moment in Bangladesh’s turbulent political landscape, with the outcome poised to shape the country’s governance and stability for years to come.