Sheikh Hasina Denies Crimes Against Humanity Ahead of Verdict

Wed Dec 10 2025 23:07:15 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In an exclusive interview, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, insists she is not guilty of crimes against humanity amid a politically charged trial linked to deadly anti-government protests.

Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh's former prime minister, has claimed her innocence in a trial set to determine her fate, as prosecutors seek the death penalty for her alleged role in acts of violence against protesters. In a recent interview, she labeled the tribunal a 'kangaroo court' designed to deliver a biased verdict. Amid heightened security in Dhaka, the verdict is expected to be announced soon, making this a critical moment for both Hasina and the victims of the protests that led to her ousting.

Bangladesh's former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has denied committing crimes against humanity during a deadly crackdown on last year's uprising that ousted her, just days before the special tribunal trying her is set to deliver a verdict.

Hasina is accused of being the main architect behind hundreds of killings during the mass protests against her autocratic rule, an allegation she firmly denies.

In her first interview with the BBC since fleeing the country on 5 August 2024, she described her trial in absentia as a 'farce' orchestrated by a 'kangaroo court' dominated by her political adversaries.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty if she is found guilty on Monday, a verdict that could shape Bangladesh's political landscape.

Hasina contended that the trial was destined to deliver a 'pre-ordained guilty verdict' and criticized the tightened security around the tribunal in Dhaka ahead of the verdict.

This determination moment holds significant importance for both the nation and the relatives of those who were killed during the anti-government protests that led to her removal from power.

According to UN human rights investigators, up to 1,400 people lost their lives as Hasina's government allegedly resorted to systematic, lethal violence against demonstrators.

Although Hasina has refused to return from India to attend her trial, she asserted in an email interview that she 'categorically' denies the allegations against her, acknowledging that while the situation escalated out of control, she never ordered security forces to open fire on unarmed civilians.

She also acknowledged accountability for the actions of her government, stating, 'If there is evidence of abuse by officials, let us have it examined properly in an impartial, depoliticized process.'

The trial, initially set in motion with her formal indictment along with other high officials, has further implications as lawyers representing her have raised fair trial concerns with the UN regarding the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh.

As Bangladesh approaches the upcoming elections, the Awami League party, also facing scrutiny, finds itself under increasing pressure after being banned from participating.

Following her ousting, numerous secret detention sites have been uncovered where individuals were allegedly held and tortured unlawfully. Hasina has claimed ignorance regarding these facilities, distancing herself from past abuses during her lengthy tenure as prime minister.