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Bangladesh's former prime minister has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity over her severe measures on youth demonstrations which caused her forced departure.

The court convicted Sheikh Hasina of authorizing deadly measures to be used against protesters, with approximately 1,400 individuals were killed during the unrest during 2024.

The trial proceeded while she was absent by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh, since she went into exile in India after being removed from office in July 2024.

The prosecution alleged of being behind numerous deaths during the protests. Hasina has denied all charges, labeling the proceedings as "prejudiced and driven by politics".

The verdict marks a decisive point for Bangladesh, as the protests revealed fury over long-standing suppression. Next of kin of victims and injured had demanded strict sentences.

Reacting to the verdict in a detailed document, she expressed the capital punishment was the caretaker administration's way of "eradicating the Awami League" as a governing body and that she was proud of her administration's performance on human rights.

"I do not fear to face my accusers in a fair court where the facts can be assessed and reviewed impartially."

The nation's capital, Dhaka, where the tribunal took place, was under increased safeguards before the ruling on Monday, with numerous opponents of Hasina organizing a demonstration and applauding as the verdict was read.

Dhaka experienced a notable rise in turmoil, with dozens of bombs exploded and coaches ignited in the period preceding the verdict.

One explosive incident was noted in Dhaka on Monday morning, with zero injuries documented, regional security representative the police spokesperson stated to press agencies.

The student-led uprising in the previous year started with demands to abolish public sector reservation policies but evolved into a wider anti-government movement.

International human rights monitors stated in a document in February that the approximately 1,400 deaths could amount to "crimes against humanity".

The report documented the firing at close quarters of certain demonstrators, the purposeful disabling of additional individuals, unjustified apprehensions and mistreatment.

Disclosed sound files of one of Hasina's phone calls verified by external reviews in previous months suggested she had approved the use of "lethal weapons" in July 2024. The sound file was broadcast in court during the proceedings.

Before the decision, family members of those who died in the demonstrations stated to media representatives they wanted the former leader to face strict penalties.

One relative, whose brother was shot dead in July 2024, said he wanted "exemplary punishment" for Hasina and others who have "engaged in retaliatory actions and misused their authority".

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

"Exclusively thereafter the relatives of the deceased [in the protests] will obtain solace in their hearts."

Since Hasina's ousting, an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has taken charge. A general election is set for February 2026.

However, the Awami League, Hasina's political party, was outlawed by Bangladesh's temporary leadership in May.

She alerted last month that if the her faction's nominees were banned from standing in the upcoming election, numerous would avoid the election.

This decision presents a international dilemma for India and Bangladesh. Authorities have sought her repatriation but so far India has shown no willingness to acquiesce.

Her officially designated attorney the defense lawyer said he was "sad [and wishes] the verdict had been different".

"I cannot even contest because my represented individuals are away; that's why I am disheartened," he added.

The previous week, her legal team said they had lodged a prompt application to the UN pointing out serious fair trial and legal procedure concerns at the ICT.

The former leader faced trial together with her former home minister and security forces head.

Although the punishment grants partial finality to kin of victims in the protests, it may have minimal effect on calming the country's political divisions.

"The fury directed at Hasina and the her political party has not decreased," a human rights advocate from the capital informed press agencies. "The leader and her faction has expressed regret or displayed repentance for the deaths of numerous individuals."

The activist stated "This complicates matters for the organization to receive endorsement by a most citizens in this nation."

The campaigner further stated that the punishment was not closure for the kin of those killed and injured.

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

A journalist, a journalist and a long-time Bangladesh watcher, said the "fundamental aspect of the condemnation could make it even more difficult" for the political faction to become a normal feature of Bangladeshi politics again.

This may change if "an expression of regret occurs and a disassociation with Hasina and the old leadership," he said.