Decision Of In Absentia Ex PM Bangladesh On November 17, Sheikh Hasina Will Be Sentenced To Death?

JAKARTA - The panel of judges at the Bangladesh Court has set a date for the trial of the in absentia trial of crimes against humanity with the former Prime Minister (PM) Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina who is a fugitive.

Bangladesh's Attorney General, Tajul Islam, said the verdict would be read out on Monday, November 17.

"Justice will be upheld according to law," Tajul told reporters on Thursday, November 13, quoted from AFP.

Hasina, 78, has opposed a court order to serve her trial in Bangladesh. He is known to have fled to India after demonstrations led to riots to overthrow his rule.

Hasina is accused of giving excessive authority to the security forces of demonstrations led by students, resulting in her overthrow.

"We have completed a long journey and are now in the final stages. The court will announce the verdict on 17 [November]," continued Tajul.

The in absentia Hasina trial began on June 1, 2025. During the months-long trial, many testimonies accused Hasina of ordering mass killings.

According to the United Nations (UN), 1,400 people died between July-August 2024 when demonstrations led by students led to riots, while Hasina tried to quell it with violence.

In this case, the Prosecutor filed five charges, including failure to prevent murder, which is a crime against humanity under Bangladeshi law. They seek the death penalty if he is found guilty.

"We hope that the court will exercise its caution and wisdom so that the thirst for justice is fulfilled, and that this decision will mark the end of crimes against humanity," said Tajul.

Hasina has denied all charges and called her trial a jurisprudential lulucon.

Other defendants in this case include former Chowdhury Police Chief Abdullah Al-Mamun who was detained and has pleaded guilty; and former Bangladeshi Interior Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who is also a fugitive.