The UN has said the verdict represents a significant milestone for the victims

The UN said Monday that the sentencing of former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina for crimes against humanity marks “an important moment for victims.”

Hasina, 78, remained in hiding in India throughout the trial, which centred on allegations that she ordered a violent crackdown on last year’s student-led uprising — a movement that ultimately forced her from power.

She was convicted in absentia and handed the death penalty for her role in the crackdown, during which up to 1,400 people were killed between July and August 2024, according to UN figures.

The UN human rights office — which concluded in a February report that Bangladesh’s former government carried out systematic attacks and killings of protesters that may amount to crimes against humanity — welcomed the fact that the tribunal had delivered its verdicts.

Since publishing that report, “we have been calling for perpetrators — including those in command and leadership positions — to be held accountable in line with international standards,” said rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani.

“We have also called for victims to have access to effective remedies and reparations,” she added.

At the same time, Shamdasani underscored that the office has “consistently advocated for all accountability proceedings — especially those involving international crimes — to fully meet international due process and fair trial standards.”

“This is particularly crucial when trials are conducted in absentia and result in capital punishment,” she said.

“We … regret the imposition of the death penalty, which we oppose in all circumstances,” she added.

Shamdasani noted that UN rights chief Volker Türk hopes Bangladesh will now embark on a comprehensive process of truth-telling, reparations and justice to support national reconciliation and healing.

“This should include meaningful and transformative security sector reform that aligns with international standards, to ensure such violations and abuses never occur again,” she said.

The rights office remains ready to assist Bangladesh. In the meantime, Türk has called for calm and urged all sides to exercise restraint in response to the verdicts, she added.