The BRICS TimesThe three-member bench, led by Justice Ghulam Murtaza Mozumdar, found Sheikh Hasina guilty of incitement, ordering murder, and failure to prevent crimes in its 453-page ruling.
UN Voices Concern on Capital Punishment
The United Nations (UN) has expressed sorrow regarding the death sentence handed down to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. However, the UN also acknowledged this ruling by the Bangladeshi court as a significant moment for the victims.
Secretary-General Agrees with High Commissioner
Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for UN chief António Guterres, addressed the media in a daily press briefing on Monday, November 17, 2025. He stated that António Guterres fully agrees with the position of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. “We are against the use of the death penalty in all circumstances,” Dujarric affirmed.
The Context of the Death Sentence
Dujarric’s comments came in response to a question about the UN Secretary-General’s reaction to the death penalty given to Sheikh Hasina in her absence. The former Prime Minister was accused of security forces firing upon democratically protesting students with drones and helicopters during a coup in Bangladesh last year.
Special Tribunal’s Findings
Following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in August 2024, interim PM Muhammad Yunus established a special tribunal. Its purpose was to review the atrocities committed during her term. The three-member bench, headed by Justice Ghulam Murtaza Mozumdar, delivered its 453-page verdict on Monday. The bench convicted Sheikh Hasina for incitement, ordering murder, and failing to prevent crimes.
Former Home Minister Also Sentenced
Sheikh Hasina, who has been residing in India since her government fell on August 5 last year, received the death penalty in absentia. Her close aide and former Home Minister, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, was also sentenced to death on similar charges.
Justice for Victims, but UN Opposes Death Penalty
Ravina Shamdasani, UN Human Rights spokesperson in Geneva, issued a statement. She said the tribunal’s verdict against Sheikh Hasina and the former home minister is a crucial moment for victims. These are victims of severe violations during the repression of protests last year. She added, “We also regret the imposition of the death penalty, which we oppose in all circumstances.”
