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Bangladesh's former prime minister has been given a death sentence for crimes against humanity stemming from her harsh response on youth demonstrations which caused her ousting.

Hasina was declared culpable of permitting fatal actions to be used against protesters, with approximately 1,400 individuals lost their lives during the unrest during 2024.

Hasina was tried without her presence by the International Crimes Court in Bangladesh, having been exiled in India after being removed from office in July 2024.

The prosecution alleged of being the mastermind of numerous deaths during the protests. Hasina has denied every accusation, labeling the proceedings as "biased and politically motivated".

This judgment represents a pivotal moment for Bangladesh, as the protests unleashed anger over years of repression. Families of those killed and injured had requested severe punishments.

Responding to the decision in a comprehensive declaration, the former leader stated the death penalty was the interim government's way of "eliminating her political faction" as a governing body and that she was satisfied of her administration's performance on human rights.

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

The capital, Dhaka, where the tribunal took place, was under enhanced protection ahead of the decision on Monday, with several of her detractors organizing a demonstration and applauding as the verdict was read.

The capital witnessed a recent spike in turmoil, with multiple explosives detonated and public transport vehicles burned in the days leading up to the verdict.

One explosive incident was reported in Dhaka on Monday morning, with no casualties reported, area law enforcement officer the authorities' representative informed press agencies.

The student-led uprising during 2024 started with requests to remove public sector reservation policies but evolved into a more extensive dissent initiative.

International human rights monitors said in a report in February that the around 1,400 fatalities could constitute "human rights atrocities".

The study recorded the firing at close quarters of some protesters, the purposeful disabling of additional individuals, unjustified apprehensions and abuse.

Unauthorized recordings of one of Hasina's phone calls confirmed by investigative sources in previous months suggested she had approved the use of "fatal instruments" in July 2024. The recording was presented in court during the legal process.

Ahead of the verdict, kin of those who died in the demonstrations informed press outlets they wanted strict consequences for Hasina.

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

Another relative, whose partner was fatally injured near Dhaka in August 2024, said she wanted her penalty to be "carried out before the election".

"Solely at that point the families of those killed [in the protests] will find peace in their souls."

Following her removal, an interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has taken charge. A national vote is planned for February 2026.

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

Hasina warned last month that if the the League's representatives were barred from participating in the forthcoming vote, millions would boycott the ballot.

The judgment creates a diplomatic challenge for India and Bangladesh. Dhaka has formally requested her repatriation but until now India has demonstrated no inclination to comply.

Hasina's state-appointed lawyer her legal counsel said he was "disappointed and hoping the outcome had varied".

"I am unable to challenge because my clients are absent; that's why I am disappointed," he continued.

Last week, the defense attorneys said they had submitted an immediate petition to the UN pointing out serious fair trial and due process issues at the ICT.

Hasina was tried in conjunction with her ex-interior minister and top law enforcement officer.

While the sentence offers some closure to kin of victims in the protests, it may do little to soothe the state's ideological splits.

"The fury directed at the former leader and the Awami League has not diminished," a human rights advocate from the capital told news organizations. "Neither she nor the party has said sorry or shown any remorse for the fatalities of countless citizens."

The advocate declared "It makes it difficult for the party to be accepted by a most citizens in this country."

The activist added that the sentence was not resolution for the kin of those killed and injured.

"We assist numerous persons who lost their limbs forever, they are now disabled, as a result of the harsh measures. They cannot pardon her."

A journalist, a commentator on the nation's politics, said the "fundamental aspect of the condemnation could make it increasingly challenging" for Awami League to become a regular participant of Bangladeshi politics again.

This could alter if "there is some kind of apology and a disassociation with Hasina and the old leadership," he expressed.