**Bangladesh Sentences Seven Aides of Ousted Prime Minister Hasina to Death in Absentia**
*Dhaka, Bangladesh – September 15, 2026* – A tribunal in Dhaka has sentenced seven former aides of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death in absentia for their involvement in a violent crackdown during the 2024 uprising in Bangladesh. This decision comes amid a broader crackdown on individuals associated with the former government, which has faced severe criticism for its handling of protests.
The seven men, all affiliated with Hasina's Awami League party, were found guilty of crimes against humanity, including murder and incitement to violence. The tribunal, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, announced the sentences on Tuesday, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings against those linked to the previous administration.
Among the convicted are prominent figures such as Mohammad Ali Arafat, a former state minister for information and broadcasting, and Obaidul Quader, the General Secretary of the Awami League. Both have been charged with murder and instigating killings during the violent suppression of protests that reportedly resulted in the deaths of up to 1,400 individuals, with thousands more injured, according to United Nations reports.
The tribunal has convicted a total of 68 individuals in connection with the crackdown, with 22 receiving death sentences. However, only four of those sentenced are currently in custody. The remaining defendants, including the seven sentenced this week, are believed to be living outside the country, with Hasina herself residing in exile in India since fleeing Bangladesh.
State-appointed defense lawyer M Hasan Imam criticized the tribunal's decision, arguing that the seven men were not directly involved in the killings and suggesting that the court could have opted for a lesser sentence. Imam stated, "They were not directly involved in the killings; they have been convicted due to their fellow activists and supporters."
In addition to the death sentences, the tribunal ordered the confiscation of half the assets belonging to the convicted individuals. These assets are to be allocated as compensation to the families of victims who suffered during the crackdown.
The 2024 uprising in Bangladesh was marked by widespread protests against rising costs and government policies. The violent response from Hasina's administration has been condemned both domestically and internationally, with calls for accountability growing louder in the wake of the crackdown.
Sheikh Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for 15 years, was herself sentenced to death by hanging last November for her role in the violent suppression of the protests. Despite her legal troubles, she has expressed intentions to return to Bangladesh by December of this year.
As the political landscape in Bangladesh continues to evolve, the recent sentences highlight the ongoing tensions and the consequences faced by those associated with the former government. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for the country's future governance and civil society.