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The country's previous leader has been given a death sentence for crimes against humanity stemming from her harsh response on protests led by students which resulted in her removal from power.

The court convicted Sheikh Hasina of permitting fatal actions to be used against activists, 1,400 of whom died during the unrest during 2024.

The trial proceeded while she was absent by the International Crimes Court in Bangladesh, as she resides in exile in India after being removed from office in July 2024.

Legal authorities charged her of being responsible for hundreds of killings during the protests. Hasina has denied every accusation, calling the trial as "biased and politically motivated".

The decision signifies a decisive point for Bangladesh, as the protests brought forth resentment over extended periods of oppression. Families of those killed and harmed had demanded strict sentences.

Answering the judgment in a five-page statement, Hasina said the capital punishment was the interim government's way of "eradicating the Awami League" as a electoral entity and that she was content of her government's record on human rights.

"I am not afraid to face my accusers in a proper tribunal where the proof can be evaluated and reviewed impartially."

The capital, Dhaka, where the tribunal took place, was under tightened security before the verdict on Monday, with several of her detractors holding a protest and applauding as the judgment was announced.

Dhaka experienced a sudden increase in disturbances, with numerous incendiary devices set off and coaches ignited in the days leading up to the verdict.

At least one bomb explosion was recorded in Dhaka on Monday morning, with no casualties reported, area law enforcement officer the authorities' representative told news organizations.

The youth-driven revolt in the previous year began with demands to abolish public sector reservation policies but morphed into a more extensive dissent initiative.

UN human rights investigators stated in a document in February that the approximately 1,400 deaths could represent "crimes against humanity".

The paper detailed the firing at close quarters of certain demonstrators, the deliberate maiming of further participants, arbitrary arrests and torture.

Disclosed sound files of one of Hasina's phone calls authenticated by investigative sources during the current year indicated she had authorized the use of "deadly arms" in July 2024. The audio was played in court during the trial.

Prior to the ruling, family members of those killed during the protests stated to news agencies they wanted strict consequences for Hasina.

Ramjan Ali, whose family member was fatally wounded in July 2024, said he wanted "exemplary punishment" for her and co-accused who have "performed revengeful deeds and exploited their positions".

Lucky Akther, whose spouse died near Dhaka in August 2024, said she wanted Hasina's sentence to be "implemented before the election".

"Only then the kin of victims [in the protests] will find peace in their minds."

Since Hasina's ousting, an caretaker administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has assumed control. A parliamentary election is scheduled for February 2026.

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

She alerted in the previous month that if the the League's representatives were barred from participating in the upcoming election, countless would abstain the election.

The verdict now poses a international dilemma for both nations. Dhaka has formally requested her extradition but to date India has demonstrated no inclination to acquiesce.

The legal representative assigned to her the defense lawyer said he was "disappointed and hoping the outcome had varied".

"I even cannot appeal because my defendants are not present; for that reason I am sad," he stated further.

The previous week, the defense attorneys said they had filed an urgent appeal to the UN pointing out significant due process and due process issues at the ICT.

The former leader faced trial in conjunction with her previous domestic affairs official and top law enforcement officer.

While the sentence provides certain resolution to kin of victims in the protests, it may do little to soothe the country's political divisions.

"The fury directed at Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League has not decreased," a Dhaka-based rights activist told press agencies. "Neither she nor the party has apologised or shown any remorse for the fatalities of countless citizens."

The activist stated "This complicates matters for the faction to gain approval by a majority of people in this state."

The campaigner further stated that the penalty was not closure for the families of those fatally and non-fatally harmed.

"We support several people who lost their limbs forever, they are amputees now, as a result of the harsh measures. They are incapable of excusing her."

David Bergman, an observer of Bangladeshi affairs, said the "very nature of the conviction could make it increasingly challenging" for the political faction to become a regular participant of the country's governance system again.

This could alter if "an expression of regret occurs and a distancing from Sheikh Hasina and the previous administration," he stated.