Sheikh Hasina has denied all charges of crimes against humanity ahead of Monday’s verdict on last year’s deadly crackdown, calling the trial a politically motivated “farce” as prosecutors seek the death penalty.
Nepal Verified News
Fri Nov 14 2025
Bangladesh’s former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has rejected accusations of crimes against humanity just days before a special tribunal delivers its verdict on last year’s deadly crackdown that ended her rule. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, while Hasina calls the trial a politically driven “farce” held in a “kangaroo court.”
Speaking to the BBC from India, where she has lived since fleeing in August 2024, Hasina denied ordering security forces to fire on protesters, despite leaked audio suggesting she approved the use of lethal force. UN investigators say up to 1,400 people were killed during the student-led uprising.
Hasina was indicted along with former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. She claims she has been unable to defend herself and says rivals are trying to “eliminate” the Awami League, already barred from contesting next year’s elections.
The BBC interview also touched on allegations of secret jails, disappearances, and extrajudicial killings during her 15-year rule, all of which she denied direct involvement in. Hasina faces additional corruption charges in a separate court, which she also rejects.
No comments yet
