Bangladesh tribunal sentences seven Hasina aides to death in absentia

September 15, 2026 at 06:40 PM2 min

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A Dhaka tribunal sentenced seven aides of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death in absentia on Tuesday for crimes against humanity during the 2024 uprising. The convictions bring to 68 the number of people found guilty in cases related to the crackdown, with 22 now sentenced to death. The ruling comes as Hasina, living in exile in India, says she will return to Bangladesh in December.

Key Facts

Seven Awami League members, including former state minister Mohammad Ali Arafat and party general secretary Obaidul Quader, received death sentences in absentia.
The tribunal ordered confiscation of half the assets of five of the convicted men to compensate families of victims.
Sixty-eight people have been convicted in cases related to the crackdown, and 22 have received death sentences.
Up to 1,400 people were killed during the 2024 uprising, according to the United Nations.

The Verdict

A three-member tribunal in Dhaka, headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, issued the sentences on Tuesday. The seven men were convicted of crimes against humanity, including murder, as well as instigating and provoking killings. Those convicted include former state minister for information and broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat and Awami League General-Secretary Obaidul Quader. The other five men are AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Saddam Hussain and Sheikh Wali Asif Enan.

Asset Confiscation

The tribunal ordered the confiscation of half the assets belonging to five of the convicted men. The confiscated assets will be distributed as compensation to the families of those who died or were injured during the crackdown.

Crackdown Toll

During the uprising, up to 1,400 people were killed and thousands were injured by Hasina's security forces and her supporters, according to the United Nations. Sixty-eight people have been convicted in cases related to the crackdown, and 22 have been given death sentences. Only four of those convicted are currently in custody. Hasina, 78, was sentenced to death by hanging last November for crimes against humanity for her role in the crackdown.