1,500 Deaths, 25,000 Injured: What Punishments Could Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Face?

International News: Serious allegations have been leveled against former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. A petition has been filed in court accusing her of crimes against humanity during the 2024 protests. According to reports published in Bangladeshi media, she has been accused of ordering government security forces and political organizations to suppress the protests. The petition also states that around 1,500 people died and about 25,000 were injured in the protests. It is important to note that this petition has been filed against Sheikh Hasina by Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam.

The International Crimes (Court) Act, 1973, is in force in Bangladesh to deal with crimes against humanity. Under this law, a special court was established to investigate and prosecute war crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity, and other international crimes. Reports suggest that these rules related to crimes against humanity were amended in 2013.

Bangladesh ex-PM Sheikh Hasina orchestrated a “systematic attack” on protests against her gov't, Bangladeshi prosecutors have said at the opening of her trial over last year’s deadly crackdown https://t.co/9KeD44gY3b pic.twitter.com/O6e8tqhLzG

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) June 1, 2025

Punishment Depends on Crime Severity & Court Orders

According to foreign affairs experts, Bangladesh provides harsh punishments such as life imprisonment and the death penalty for those found guilty of crimes against humanity. Other punishments depend on the severity of the crime and the court's decision. It is also noted that terrorist Hafiz Saeed's organization, Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JUD), has claimed responsibility for the coup in Bangladesh.

#BREAKING 🅱️
Hafiz Saeed's Outfit Claims Role In Sheikh Hasina's Ouster From Bangladesh🇧🇩

🚨Some members of the banned
🚫 Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), associated with #Mumbai #terror 🔥 Attack Mastermind Hafiz Saeed, have claimed that their organisation was involved in last year’s mass… https://t.co/uRlMjZfVPa pic.twitter.com/4pyARL9nMg

— Sarwar Wassel (@SarwarWassel) June 1, 2025

How Will Trial Against Ex-Bangladesh PM Proceed?

In Bangladesh, a crime against humanity case begins with an investigation into the allegations, followed by the collection of evidence. Bangladeshi media reports that a special investigative team is formed for such cases, which gathers video footage, audio recordings, witness statements, and other evidence. After investigating the allegations against Sheikh Hasina, the investigation report was submitted on May 12. In Bangladesh, after an investigation in a crimes against humanity case, a chargesheet is filed. During the trial, witnesses and all parties are heard. The court pronounces its verdict only after reviewing testimonies and evidence and considering the arguments of the prosecution and defense. Apart from Bangladesh, crimes against humanity cases are also heard in many other countries.