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The ex-prime minister of Bangladesh has been given a death sentence for crimes against humanity stemming from her harsh response on student-led protests which caused her ousting.

Hasina was declared culpable of permitting fatal actions to be used against activists, 1,400 of whom died during the turmoil during 2024.

Legal proceedings were conducted without her presence by the International Crimes Court in Bangladesh, having been exiled in India since she was forced from power in July 2024.

The prosecution alleged of being responsible for numerous deaths during the protests. She has refuted all charges, describing the process as "biased and politically motivated".

The verdict marks a pivotal moment for Bangladesh, as the protests unleashed anger over long-standing suppression. Families of those killed and wounded had called for tough penalties.

Responding to the decision in a detailed document, she expressed the death penalty was the interim government's way of "eradicating the Awami League" as a governing body and that she was content of her government's record on human rights.

"I am not afraid to face my accusers in a just legal forum where the proof can be evaluated and examined justly."

The capital, Dhaka, where the tribunal took place, was under enhanced protection ahead of the verdict on Monday, with several of her detractors staging a rally and celebrating as the verdict was read.

The city has seen a sudden increase in turmoil, with multiple explosives detonated and buses set on fire in the time before the verdict.

One explosive incident was reported in Dhaka on Monday morning, with no victims identified, local police official Jisanul Haque informed news organizations.

The youth-driven revolt last year started with calls to eliminate public sector reservation policies but evolved into a wider anti-government movement.

United Nations rights examiners said in a report in February that the around 1,400 fatalities could constitute "violations of human dignity".

The report documented the gunfire from minimal distance of certain demonstrators, the intentional injuring of others, unjustified apprehensions and abuse.

Unauthorized recordings of a telephone conversation involving Hasina authenticated by investigative sources during the current year implied she had approved the use of "deadly arms" in July 2024. The audio was played in court during the proceedings.

Prior to the ruling, kin of those fatally injured in the unrest informed news agencies they wanted the former leader to face strict penalties.

Ramjan Ali, whose brother was shot dead in July 2024, said he wanted "strict sentence" for her and co-accused who have "performed revengeful deeds and misused their authority".

Lucky Akther, whose husband was killed near Dhaka in August 2024, said she wanted her penalty to be "carried out before the election".

"Solely at that point the relatives of the deceased [in the protests] will obtain solace in their souls."

Since Hasina's ousting, an temporary leadership headed by economic expert Muhammad Yunus has assumed power. A general election is scheduled for February 2026.

Nonetheless, the her former political organization, the former ruling party, was prohibited by Bangladesh's caretaker administration in May.

She alerted last month that if the the League's representatives were banned from standing in the upcoming election, numerous would avoid the ballot.

This decision presents a international dilemma for both nations. The Bangladesh government has asked her repatriation but until now India has shown no willingness to agree.

Her officially designated attorney her legal counsel said he was "disappointed and hoping the verdict had been different".

"I am unable to challenge because my represented individuals are away; for that reason I am sad," he continued.

Last week, Hasina's lawyers said they had lodged a prompt application to the UN pointing out serious fair trial and legal procedure concerns at the ICT.

Hasina was tried in conjunction with her former home minister and police chief.

While the sentence provides certain resolution to kin of victims in the protests, it may not significantly ease the country's political divisions.

"The fury directed at Sheikh Hasina and the her political party has not diminished," a human rights advocate from the capital told media outlets. "Neither she nor the party has expressed regret or demonstrated contrition for the deaths of numerous individuals."

The advocate declared "It makes it difficult for the organization to receive endorsement by a bulk of the population in this nation."

The activist added that the penalty was not resolution for the families of those who died and were wounded.

"We assist numerous persons who underwent irreversible limb loss, they are now disabled, as a result of the harsh measures. They will never be able to forgive her."

An analyst, an observer of Bangladeshi affairs, said the "fundamental aspect of the condemnation could make it particularly hard" for Awami League to become a standard element of Bangladeshi politics again.

This might transform if "a form of contrition emerges and a separation from Sheikh Hasina and the old leadership," he said.