Sheikh Hasina's Trial and Sentence: A Timeline of Key Events in Bangladesh's Student Protest Case

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received a death sentence on November 17, 2025, in a case linked to violent student unrest that shook the nation in 2024.

The decision from the International Crimes Tribunal followed a long series of political, legal and investigative developments that began with mass protests over government job quotas. Below is a detailed chronology of each major turning point.

July to August 2024: Student Protests Erupt

Students begin large scale demonstrations against the quota system that reserved one third of government jobs for families of 1971 freedom fighters. The situation escalates when authorities are accused of ordering a harsh crackdown. Hundreds reportedly die and thousands are injured, prompting widespread national outrage along with a call for Sheikh Hasina to step down.

August 2024: Hasina Leaves and Interim Leadership Emerges

August 5, 2024: Sheikh Hasina resigns and escapes to India after losing command amid public anger. Protesters break into her official residence.

August 8, 2024: Students select Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus to lead a temporary caretaker administration.

August 14, 2024: The newly formed interim authority announces that individuals responsible for protest related killings will be prosecuted before the International Crimes Tribunal.

October to November 2024: Tribunal Preparations and Warrants

October 2024: The International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh is formally restructured.

October 17, 2024: Arrest warrants are issued against Hasina and 45 political figures, including senior Awami League members.

November 2024: Tribunal head Golam Mortuza Majumdar instructs investigators to conclude their evidence collection by December.

February to June 2025: Report Findings and Trial Begins

February 2025: A United Nations fact finding mission publishes findings stating about 1,400 deaths occurred during the protests.

June 1, 2025: The trial officially begins, accusing Hasina of organizing systematic attacks targeting unarmed citizens.

June 19, 2025: Former Supreme Court judge AY Moshiuzzaman is appointed as amicus curiae for Hasina.

July to October 2025: Contempt Ruling, Indictment and Court Hearings

July 2, 2025: Hasina receives a six month sentence in absentia in a contempt case.

July 10, 2025: Formal indictments are issued against Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun on five criminal charges.

August 3, 2025: Trial proceedings begin against the trio.

October 23, 2025: The hearing phase concludes.

November 2025: Judgment Delivered

November 13, 2025: Verdict date is scheduled for November 17.

November 17, 2025: Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal are convicted and sentenced to death. Abdullah Al Mamun receives a five year sentence after cooperating as a state witness.