In a landmark ruling that reverberates through Bangladesh, a special court in Dhaka has sentenced deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her former aide, Asaduzzaman Khan, to death for their roles in the brutal crackdown on protesters during the July Uprising in 2024. This pivotal moment not only reflects the growing demand for justice among the affected families but also indicates a transformative shift in the political landscape of Bangladesh, as the nation grapples with the impact of past leadership and seeks accountability for human rights abuses.
Dhaka, Bangladesh – Shahina Begum wept bitterly as a special court in Dhaka sentenced Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and her close aide, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, to death for crimes against humanity. This decision comes in the wake of the tragic events of August 5, 2024, when police opened fire on demonstrators, resulting in the death of Begum’s 20-year-old son, Sajjat Hosen Sojal, shortly before a significant student-led uprising forced Hasina to resign after 15 years in power.
Prosecutors argued that police killed six student protesters on that fateful day in Ashulia, a garment manufacturing center on the outskirts of Dhaka. Allegations arose claiming that the bodies of five victims were burned, and one was even reportedly set ablaze while still alive in a police station. These killings were purportedly sanctioned by Hasina, who ordered a harsh crackdown to maintain her grip on power, contributing to an overall death toll of over 1,400 protesters, according to United Nations reports.
The Dhaka International Crimes Tribunal delivered its verdict after a months-long trial conducted in absentia, as both Hasina and Khan had sought refuge in neighboring India. While sentencing Hasina and Khan to death, a third defendant, former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah al-Mamun, received a five-year prison term after cooperating with authorities. “I cannot rest until justice is served,” Begum declared poignantly, her emotions echoing the sentiments of countless families across the nation, who are confronting the realities of the past.
Despite the historic nature of the judgement, many are skeptical about whether Hasina will face justice. Questions linger regarding India’s potential extradition of the former leader, a staunch ally during her time in power. Bangladeshi citizens are voicing concerns over the possibility that a change in government could shield Hasina from facing the consequences of her actions. As one grieving mother lamented, it took her son mere moments to perish, yet it has taken over a year just to arrive at this point of justice.
In the wake of the ruling, emotions surged as hundreds of families who suffered losses during the uprising sought closure. Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdho, who lost his brother during the protests, asserted that Hasina should face the highest penalty. Across the nation, scenes of solidarity unfolded as citizens expressed their determination to hold Hasina accountable, including a symbolic enactment of her execution organized by advocates for justice.
Political parties and organizations across Bangladesh have welcomed the ruling as a testament to the resilience of the people against oppressive regimes. Leaders from both the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami lauded the decision, emphasizing that no politician, regardless of power, is above the law.
International reactions have been mixed, with a United Nations human rights office acknowledging the verdict as significant for victims, while also highlighting concerns over due process and the imposition of the death penalty. Meanwhile, Amnesty International voiced apprehensions regarding the fairness of the trial, suggesting that genuine justice should prioritize accountability over capital punishment.
Yet, families of the victims find solace in the judgment, viewing it as a step towards recognition of the horrifying realities they endured. “Justice is inevitable; the spirits of those lost will finally find peace,” said Atikul Gazi, a survivor of the uprising, who transformed into a symbol of resilience after losing his arm in the violence. As the nation processes this pivotal moment in its history, the quest for justice for all victims remains a rallying cry for the people of Bangladesh.
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