A Bangladesh court has sentenced seven senior leaders of the country’s former ruling Awami League to death in absentia over their alleged roles in the violent suppression of the 2024 student-led uprising. The convicted men include two former ministers and the party’s former general secretary, Obaidul Quader.
The three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, found the seven men guilty of crimes against humanity, including murder and charges related to instigating and provoking killings during the unrest.
The verdict represents another major development in Bangladesh’s continuing legal and political reckoning following the dramatic end of Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule.
Seven Awami League Leaders Convicted
The Bangladesh court handed down death sentences to seven former senior figures of the Awami League. Alongside Obaidul Quader and former minister Mohammad Ali Arafat, the convicted individuals include AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Saddam Hussain and Sheikh Wali Asif Enan.
All seven were tried in absentia.
Prosecutor Muhammad Aminul Islam welcomed the decision, saying prosecutors were satisfied with the verdict. The prosecution argued that the defendants played roles in the events surrounding the government’s efforts to suppress the protests.
The cases are connected to the widespread demonstrations that began in 2024 and eventually transformed into a nationwide uprising against Hasina’s government.
Deadly 2024 Protests
According to the United Nations, around 1,400 people were killed between July and August 2024 as security forces and authorities attempted to suppress the student-led movement.
What began as student demonstrations eventually developed into a much broader political movement. The escalating unrest placed enormous pressure on Hasina’s government and ultimately brought her long rule to an end.
In August 2024, Hasina left Bangladesh by helicopter and travelled to neighbouring India, where she has remained since her departure.
Her political downfall marked one of the most significant changes in Bangladesh’s modern history and triggered investigations into alleged abuses committed during the crackdown.
Defence Challenges the Verdict
The defence has disputed the allegations against the seven former leaders.
State-appointed defence lawyer Muhammad Hasan Imam argued that the defendants were not directly involved in the killings. He said the court could have imposed lesser punishments rather than death sentences.
According to the defence, the men were convicted because of the actions of fellow party activists and supporters rather than because they personally carried out killings.
The disagreement highlights the wider controversy surrounding the trials. Supporters of the verdict view the proceedings as an important step toward accountability, while critics have raised concerns about the treatment of defendants and the use of trials in absentia.
Compensation for Victims’ Families
In addition to the death sentences, the Bangladesh court ordered that half of the assets belonging to five of the convicted men be distributed as compensation to families of people killed or injured during the uprising.
The financial compensation order adds another dimension to the proceedings, as authorities seek to provide assistance to victims and their relatives.
Tuesday’s ruling also increased the total number of people convicted in cases connected with the 2024 protests to 68. Of those, 22 have received death sentences, although only four of those sentenced to death are currently in custody.
Sheikh Hasina’s Own Death Sentence
The latest verdict follows the sentencing of Sheikh Hasina herself.
The former prime minister was sentenced to death in absentia in November 2025. She has rejected the authority of the court and has continued to deny the legitimacy of the proceedings against her.
Bangladesh’s current government has requested her extradition from India so that she can face the legal process in her home country.
Hasina, however, has indicated that she intends to return to Bangladesh voluntarily in December, despite the death sentence hanging over her.
Bangladesh Faces a Difficult Political Chapter
The Bangladesh court ruling comes as the country continues to deal with the political consequences of the 2024 uprising.
The change in government has created expectations of accountability for the violence, while the legal proceedings have also generated debate over due process, political justice and the future of the Awami League.
The latest death sentences are therefore likely to have consequences beyond the courtroom. They could influence Bangladesh’s political landscape, relations with India and the ongoing debate over how the country should address alleged abuses committed during the final period of Hasina’s rule.
For victims’ families, the verdict may represent an important step toward accountability. For the convicted leaders and their supporters, however, the decision is likely to remain deeply contested.
As Bangladesh continues its post-2024 political transition, the Bangladesh court proceedings will remain closely watched both inside the country and internationally.
