'Will engage constructively': India reacts to Sheikh Hasina verdict; Yunus govt seeks ex-PM’s return

Sheikh Hasina Verdict Live: Bangladesh is on edge after a special tribunal in Dhaka convicted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina of crimes against humanity, concluding a months-long trial over her role in the deadly crackdown on student protests in 2024. Hasina, now in exile in India since August 2024, had denied all charges, calling the tribunal a “kangaroo court” and insisting the case was politically motivated.

Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, warned that Awami League supporters would not allow the February national elections to proceed if the party remains banned. He described his mother as “upset, angry, outraged” and said protests inside Bangladesh could escalate, claiming the verdict had been predetermined.

The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, denied any political interference, calling claims of unrest “irresponsible.” Yunus, who took over after Hasina’s ouster, has promoted the July Charter — a 26-point reform plan that includes a two-term limit for prime ministers, stronger checks and balances, and constitutional recognition of Bangladesh as a multi-ethnic, multi-religious state. A referendum on the charter will be held alongside the February 2026 elections.

Tensions remain high across the country, with recent bombings, arson attacks, and shutdowns disrupting daily life. Security around the tribunal has been significantly tightened as the verdict is broadcast live. International observers, including India, are closely monitoring the situation as Bangladesh faces one of its most politically volatile moments in decades.

10:17 (IST) Nov 17

Sheikh Hasina verdict: Shoot-on-sight directive issued

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali has ordered officers to shoot anyone found firebombing vehicles or attempting to cause deadly explosions.

“I stated over the wireless that anyone who sets a bus on fire or throws crude bombs with intent to kill should be shot. This authority is clearly provided in our law,” he said. Authorities remain on nationwide high alert amid shutdowns called by Awami League supporters ahead of the verdict.

10:17 (IST) Nov 17

Sheikh Hasina verdict: Prosecutors demand death penalty

The International Crimes Tribunal–Bangladesh has heard final arguments accusing Hasina of authorising lethal force against unarmed students, including the use of heavy weapons and drones in Dhaka and Rangpur. Prosecutors told media they have sought the “highest possible sentence” and confiscation of the convicts’ assets for victims’ families. The verdict will be broadcast live on state-run BTV and streamed online.

10:16 (IST) Nov 17

Sheikh Hasina verdict: Crude bombs and arson attacks spark panic

Dhaka police confirmed several crude bomb explosions on Sunday night, including blasts near a police station complex and outside the residence of an adviser to interim government chief Muhammad Yunus. Multiple buses have been torched over the past week, killing at least one driver who was asleep inside. Police believe the attacks are linked to groups protesting against the trial.

10:15 (IST) Nov 17

Sheikh Hasina verdict: Dhaka turns into security fortress

Security has been tightened across the capital, with military, paramilitary and police forces stationed at major intersections. Public gatherings are restricted, extra checkpoints have been set up and surveillance drones are monitoring high-risk zones. Authorities say their priority is “protection of life and property”, amid fears of mass unrest once the verdict is announced.

10:14 (IST) Nov 17

Sheikh Hasina verdict: Ousted leader in India faces charges of crimes against humanity

Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina fled to India in August 2024 after weeks of violent protests toppled her government. The 78-year-old leader has since lived in exile in New Delhi under full security protection. She is being tried in absentia on charges of crimes against humanity for allegedly ordering a deadly crackdown on student demonstrators during the July Uprising of 2024.

Sheikh Hasina Verdict Live: Bangladesh remains on edge as a special tribunal convicts former prime minister Sheikh Hasina of crimes against humanity. The ruling concludes a months-long trial in which Hasina was found guilty of ordering a violent crackdown during the 2024 student uprising that resulted in hundreds of deaths. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty, while Hasina, now in exile in India, maintained the charges were fabricated and politically motivated.

Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, warned that Awami League supporters may disrupt next year’s elections if the party remains barred, calling his mother “upset, angry, outraged” and asserting the verdict had been predetermined. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, rejected these claims, insisting the trial was conducted transparently.

Yunus has also pushed forward the July Charter — a 26-point reform plan introducing checks and balances, term limits for prime ministers, and constitutional recognition of Bangladesh as a multi-ethnic nation — with a referendum scheduled alongside the February 2026 elections.

Tensions remain high across Dhaka after recent explosions, arson attacks, and shutdowns, prompting intensified security measures as the nation absorbs the impact of a verdict that could reshape Bangladesh’s political landscape.