In a measured and cautious response to the verdict handed down by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal on 17 November 2025, the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has described the ruling against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as a significant step toward justice for the victims of last year’s deadly protests — while simultaneously urging Bangladesh to reconsider the imposition of the death penalty.

The tribunal found Hasina guilty of crimes against humanity, including incitement of violence, ordering lethal force via drones and helicopters, and failing to prevent mass killings during widespread protests in July and August 2024. Al Jazeera+2Al Jazeera+2

UN Acknowledges Victims’ Rights Are Recognised

Speaking through its Geneva office, the OHCHR welcomed the sentencing as “an important moment for victims of the grave violations committed during the suppression of protests.” The Business Standard By making the verdict public and holding leaders to account, the tribunal has reportedly offered a form of recognition to those who lost loved ones during the crackdown.

This public acknowledgment is significant: for many survivors and bereaved families, the judgments can represent validation that what happened to them was not forgotten — and that the authorities are willing to confront difficult truths. It signals that the international community supports accountability for mass violence, and that victims’ voices matter.

Strong Regret Over Death Sentence

Despite welcoming the justice aspect, the UN expressed regret at the use of the death penalty, a punishment the organisation opposes under all circumstances. The OHCHR spokesperson, Ravina Shamdasani, emphasised that capital punishment is not consistent with international human rights norms. Hindustan Times

Using the death sentence in a trial for crimes against humanity — especially when conducted in absentia — raises deep concern in the eyes of human rights organisations. The UN is calling for Bangladesh to reconsider not only the sentence but also how justice is being delivered in such politically sensitive cases.

Fair Trial and Due Process Questions

The UN’s statement also hinted at concerns about whether due process and fair trial standards were fully respected. The tribunal tried Hasina in absentia, sparking questions within the international human rights community about whether she had a genuine opportunity to defend herself. Al Jazeera+1

Trials in absentia are contentious because they limit the chance for a defendant to engage with the court, present their case personally, or cross-examine witnesses — all fundamental guarantees under many international legal standards. The UN underlined that accountability must go hand in hand with fairness, especially when the stakes are this high.

Context of the 2024 Protests and Alleged Violations

According to multiple reports, the tribunal blamed Hasina for directing state forces to use drones, helicopters, and lethal weapons against protesters in July 2024, resulting in a very high casualty count. Foreign Policy+2Al Jazeera+2 Human Rights Watch, among other organisations, has alleged that more than 1,400 people died during the uprising — many by security force violence. Human Rights Watch

These protests, initially led by students, evolved into a broader movement against the government. The tribunal’s decision reflects both the magnitude of alleged abuses and the severe political fallout that followed.

Reaction From Hasina and Others

Hasina, who remains in exile in India, denounced the verdict. She called the tribunal “rigged” and politically motivated, claiming she was denied a fair trial. The Economic Times Her supporters echo this critique, warning of further political instability.

Human rights groups also expressed concern. Human Rights Watch, while acknowledging that serious abuses occurred, pointed to significant fair trial deficits — including the lack of legal representation of her choice and the in-absentia trial itself. Human Rights Watch

Implications and What Comes Next

The UN’s response reflects a delicate balance: on one hand, it underscores the necessity of accountability for mass violence; on the other, it reiterates that justice must follow international norms. The call for reconsidering capital punishment could amplify pressure on Bangladesh’s interim government, especially from rights-oriented states and global institutions.

Going forward:

• The international community may push for review of the sentencing, or at least for procedural reforms.

• Rights groups will likely call for greater transparency and alternative legal processes, perhaps urging Bangladesh to suspend execution and explore reparations.

• The government in Dhaka faces a test of its commitment to human rights: balancing domestic judicial decisions with international expectations.

Conclusion

The UN’s reaction to Sheikh Hasina’s conviction is a mix of cautious optimism and firm principle. While it views the tribunal’s verdict as a meaningful step toward redress for victims, it also deeply regrets the death sentence, upholding its long-standing opposition to capital punishment.

This moment could mark a turning point — not just in Bangladesh’s political history, but in how accountability and justice are pursued in deeply polarised societies. Whether Dhaka responds to international concerns will shape not only the fate of Hasina but also the broader accountability regime in Bangladesh.

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