A special tribunal in Bangladesh has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death in absentia for “crimes against humanity.” The verdict has triggered a new phase of political instability in Bangladesh and caused a diplomatic rift with neighboring India, where Hasina is currently in exile.
Hasina’s son and former aide have condemned the verdict as politically motivated and the result of a “kangaroo court” orchestrated by the interim government. The political tension is rising ahead of potential snap elections, which the Awami League party, formerly led by Hasina, is now threatening to block.
The issue has directly impacted relations between Dhaka and New Delhi. While the US and UN have called the verdict an “important step for victims,” they have also expressed reservations about the death penalty. India’s government has maintained a non-committal stance on Bangladesh’s extradition call, prioritizing the stability of its neighbor.
This development underscores the deep political polarization in Bangladesh and poses a significant foreign policy challenge for regional powers attempting to navigate the volatile domestic situation and ensure regional security.
