In August 2024, she sought refuge in India amidst a major uprising against her administration.

The courtroom erupted in applause and cheers when the death sentence was announced.

Upon hearing the verdict, Hasina criticized the decision, claiming it was issued by a “rigged tribunal” set up by an unelected government lacking any democratic legitimacy.

“Their demand for the death penalty exposes the extreme and violent intentions of certain figures within the interim government to eliminate Bangladesh’s last elected leader and dismantle the Awami League as a political entity,” she remarked.

Hasina’s defense was handled by a state-appointed attorney, who argued that the accusations were unfounded and urged the court for her release.

Tensions have been high in Bangladesh leading up to the verdict, with reports of at least 30 crude bomb explosions and 26 vehicles set ablaze across the nation in recent days. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.

Hasina was represented by a state-appointed defence counsel who told the court that the charges against her were baseless and pleaded for her acquittal.

Bangladesh has been tense ahead of the verdict, with at least 30 crude bomb explosions and 26 vehicles torched across the country over the past few days. There have been no casualties, however.