Bangladesh court sentences 7 Hasina allies to death

A court in Bangladesh on Tuesday sentenced seven senior figures from ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's former ruling party to death in absentia over their role in the deadly crackdown on anti-government protests in 2024.

The seven former officials and Awami League leaders were convicted of crimes against humanity, including inciting and ordering killings during the uprising that ultimately forced Hasina from power.

The United Nations estimates that as many as 1,400 people, most of them civilians, were killed during the unrest in July and August 2024.

Who was sentenced to death?

Those convicted include former Awami League Secretary-General Obaidul Quader and former Information Minister Mohammad Ali Arafat.

The other five all held positions within the Awami League.

All seven remain at large.

Prosecutor Mohammad Aminul Islam welcomed the verdict, saying most of the charges had been proven beyond reasonable doubt.

The court also ordered the seizure of half of the defendants' assets to provide compensation to the families of people killed or injured during the protests.

A court-appointed defense lawyer, M Hasan Imam, argued that the men had not been directly involved in the killings and should have received less severe sentences.

What happened during the 2024 uprising?

The protests began as a student-led movement and developed into a nationwide revolt against Hasina's government.

Hasina fled Bangladesh by helicopter for neighboring India on August 5, 2024, ending more than 15 years in power.

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She was herself convicted of crimes against humanity in November 2025 and sentenced to death in absentia for her role in the crackdown.

Hasina and the Awami League have rejected the proceedings against them as politically biased.

How many people have now been convicted?

Tuesday's verdict brings the number of people convicted in trials connected with the 2024 uprising to 68, according to the AFP news agency. Twenty-two have received death sentences, while only four of those convicted are in custody.

Bangladesh's government, led by Tarique Rahman following elections in February, has requested Hasina's extradition from India.

The 78-year-old former prime minister remains in exile there and has said she intends to return to Bangladesh in December.

Edited by: Kieran Burke

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