Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was on Monday sentenced to death by a Dhaka court on three charges of crimes against humanity linked to the student-led protests of 2024 that culminated in her ouster from office. The charges, brought by the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh (ICT-BD), include incitement, ordering killings, and failing to take action to prevent atrocities during the nationwide unrest. The verdict follows months of investigation into the crackdown on protesters, which escalated into a mass uprising and ultimately led to the collapse of her government.

Current Whereabouts

Since her dramatic removal from office in August 2024, Hasina has been living in self-imposed exile in India. According to her son, Sajeeb Wazed, she has been residing in a secret safe house in Delhi under full security provided by the Indian government. Wazed emphasized that New Delhi is treating her “like a head of state,” offering protection and ensuring her safety.

Hasina herself has expressed deep gratitude to India for providing a secure sanctuary during this turbulent period. In emailed responses to the Hindustan Times, she wrote, “I must add that I am deeply grateful to the Indian people for providing me with a safe haven this past year.” In an October interview with Reuters, she stated that while living in Delhi, she feels relatively safe and can move freely, though she remains cautious about her security. She made it clear that she would not return to Bangladesh under what she views as an illegitimate government. “I would of course love to go home, so long as the government there was legitimate, the constitution was being upheld, and law and order genuinely prevailed,” she said. She also indicated that she would not return under any administration formed after elections that exclude her party, signaling her intention to remain in India for the foreseeable future.

Legal Context and Allegations

The death sentence comes in the backdrop of widespread unrest in Bangladesh in July and August 2024, when a series of student protests against her government turned violent. Nearly 1,400 people were reportedly killed during the clashes. The ICT-BD held Hasina and other senior officials accountable for the alleged crackdown. Former Interior Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun were also found guilty by the tribunal on multiple counts of crimes against humanity.

Hasina has vocally rejected the court’s verdict, describing the tribunal as “biased and politically motivated.” In a statement following the ruling, she asserted that the charges against her were fabricated and that she is willing to face trial only in a judicial forum she considers fair and impartial. “I am not afraid to face my accusers in a proper tribunal where evidence can be weighed and tested fairly,” she said. She maintains that the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, which took over after her ouster, is attempting to suppress the Awami League as a political force through politically motivated prosecutions.

Exile and Political Developments

The ouster of Sheikh Hasina came after mass protests by students and civil society groups in 2024, which called for the resignation of her government due to alleged mismanagement and violent repression. Following her departure, her party, the Awami League, was suspended in May 2025 after the Yunus-led caretaker government claimed that the party posed national security risks. Several senior Awami League leaders are under investigation for war crimes and human rights violations during her tenure.

During her time in India, Hasina has maintained limited public engagement, granting interviews selectively to international and Indian media. Her decision to engage with Indian outlets, including the Hindustan Times, has prompted protests from the interim government in Dhaka. Bangladesh’s foreign ministry has formally requested her extradition from India, citing an extradition agreement and asserting that providing refuge to convicted individuals constitutes a violation of justice and international obligations. However, New Delhi has not acted on this request.

Strains in India-Bangladesh Relations

The situation has further strained bilateral ties. India has expressed concerns over the protection of minorities in Bangladesh during ongoing unrest, while Dhaka has criticized New Delhi for allowing Hasina media access. The tension intensified last week when Bangladesh’s foreign ministry summoned India’s deputy chief of mission in Dhaka to protest Hasina’s interviews with Indian journalists. Shafiqul Alam, spokesperson for the interim government, referred to the journalists as “Indian bootlicking reporters,” a comment that drew strong diplomatic responses.

Despite these tensions, India continues to provide security to Hasina while maintaining a cautious diplomatic stance. The Indian government has reiterated its commitment to regional stability and the safety of all individuals within its territory, balancing its legal obligations and humanitarian considerations.

The Broader Political Landscape

Hasina’s exile and the death sentence against her occur months before Bangladesh is expected to hold its first elections since her removal. Political analysts suggest that the verdict may influence the upcoming electoral process and the Awami League’s capacity to reorganize. The interim government under Yunus faces the challenge of consolidating authority while managing domestic unrest and international scrutiny.

The case has drawn international attention, highlighting concerns over judicial independence, political neutrality, and human rights in Bangladesh. Observers note that the ICT-BD’s proceedings and the resulting verdicts have raised questions about due process, the fairness of trials for high-profile political figures, and the broader implications for democratic governance in the country.

Outlook for Hasina

At 78, Sheikh Hasina’s immediate focus remains on safety and strategic political engagement from her place of exile. Her continued stay in India is likely to persist until she perceives conditions in Bangladesh as conducive to a legitimate return. Meanwhile, she continues to assert her political presence through statements and media engagements, seeking to influence public opinion and maintain her party’s visibility.

The unfolding events underscore the delicate balance between legal accountability, political rivalries, and humanitarian considerations in South Asia. Sheikh Hasina’s situation exemplifies the complexities of political exile, cross-border diplomacy, and the role of international law in cases involving former national leaders accused of serious crimes.

In summary, Sheikh Hasina, sentenced to death in Bangladesh, is currently living in self-exile at a secure location in Delhi, India. She remains under full protection, continues to engage selectively with the media, and rejects the charges and tribunal verdicts, maintaining that she will only submit to a fair judicial process. The case has significantly strained India-Bangladesh relations and is likely to influence both domestic politics in Bangladesh and regional diplomatic dynamics in the months ahead.

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