Human Rights Watch Raises Concern Over Hasina’s Death Sentence

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has expressed concern over the trial in absentia and death sentence of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal in the July coup-related crimes case.

The New York-based international human rights organisation stated in a press release on Monday (17 November) that the trial took place without the presence of the two, and they were not represented by lawyers of their choice, raising serious human rights concerns.

HRW noted that the third accused, former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, is currently in prison. He had given testimony as a prosecution witness and was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.

Minakshi Ganguly, Deputy Asia Director at HRW, said, “While the people of Bangladesh have long-standing anger and frustration over Hasina’s repressive rule, all criminal proceedings must adhere to international standards of justice. Those responsible for atrocities under Hasina’s administration should be held accountable through impartial investigation and credible trials.”

HRW’s website statement further noted that perpetrators under Hasina’s administration should be properly held accountable. The organisation believes that the death sentence raises further concerns about fair justice.

HRW also highlighted that in July 2025, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Bangladesh government signed a three-year memorandum of understanding to open a mission in the country to promote and protect human rights. The organisation believes that a stay on the death sentence is necessary for such support.

On Monday, the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) reacted to Hasina’s death sentence. Amnesty International called the verdict “unfair and unjust,” while neighbouring India also issued a statement. Currently, Hasina is in hiding and cannot appeal against the death sentence.

Earlier, on Monday (17 November), a three-member judicial panel led by International Crimes Tribunal-1 chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder announced Hasina’s death sentence. The court stated that three charges against Sheikh Hasina were proven, one carrying a life sentence and the other two resulting in the death penalty.

Khaborwala/TSN