(MENAFN) A Dhaka court on Monday handed a death sentence to Bangladesh’s fugitive former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, ruling her responsible for crimes against humanity linked to last year's mass anti-government protests.

Under heavy security, the International Crimes Tribunal announced the judgment in her absence, as Hasina remains in India. The court declared her the “superior commander of all the atrocities,” stating that the abuses occurred with “cool knowledge” on her part. The three-judge panel, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, said that “All the conditions of being a case of crimes against humanity were proved.”

The ruling also sentenced former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who is likewise abroad, to death. Hasina and her associates may appeal to the highest court in person within 30 days.

Hasina fled to India on Aug. 5 last year during a massive student-led uprising that left more than 1,400 people dead and ultimately toppled her Awami League administration after over 15 years in power. The interim government later filed five charges, including crimes against humanity, against her and several aides.

The tribunal ordered the seizure of all assets belonging to Hasina and Kamal. It also imposed a five-year prison term on former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun after he admitted involvement and served as an approver.

Chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam said the proceedings were transparent and open for global scrutiny, noting that compensation for victims would come from the confiscated property. Regarding enforcement of the verdict while Hasina remains in India, he said the government may use the extradition treaty with New Delhi or seek Interpol’s help.

Mir Snigdho, whose twin brother Mir Mugdho — a coordinator of last July's demonstrations — was killed during the unrest, attended the session and said families “will only be pleased after Hasina is brought home from India and the verdict is executed.”

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