Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina loses right to appeal death sentence: prosecutor

Hasina was sentenced to death by Dhaka-based tribunal for crimes against humanity, crackdown during 2024 uprising

Bangladesh’s former premier Sheikh Hasina can no longer appeal her death sentence after the 30-day deadline for filing an appeal expired, the chief prosecutor said on Monday.

“Those sentenced to death by the court, including Sheikh Hasina, who have not appealed within 30 days of the verdict, will no longer have the opportunity to do so,” Md Aminul Islam told reporters.

Last November, Hasina was sentenced to death by the Dhaka-based International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity and for her role in a brutal crackdown during the 2024 uprising that ousted her government.

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At least 1,400 people were killed and thousands were injured in the uprising by Hasina’s security forces and supporters of her Awami League party, according to the UN.

“Now, what is left is the execution of the verdict,” said the prosecutor.

However, he said, the “government has the absolute inherent power to suspend or cancel any punishment”.

She is in self-imposed exile, living in India after fleeing the country.

Hasina has vowed to return to Bangladesh in December.