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The country's previous leader has been given a death sentence for crimes against humanity stemming from her severe measures on protests led by students which caused her removal from power.

Sheikh Hasina was found guilty of allowing lethal force to be used against demonstrators, 1,400 of whom were killed during the disturbances during 2024.

The trial proceeded without her presence by the International Crimes Court in Bangladesh, as she resides in exile in India since she was forced from power in July 2024.

Legal authorities charged her of being the mastermind of multiple fatalities during the protests. She has refuted the entire case, describing the process as "biased and politically motivated".

The decision signifies a decisive point for Bangladesh, as the protests unleashed anger over long-standing suppression. Families of those killed and injured had demanded tough penalties.

Responding to the decision in a comprehensive declaration, Hasina said the execution sentence was the interim government's way of "eradicating the Awami League" as a electoral entity and that she was content of her government's record on civil liberties.

"I am not afraid to confront those accusing me in a fair court where the facts can be assessed and examined justly."

The capital, Dhaka, where the tribunal took place, was under tightened security ahead of the verdict on Monday, with many of Hasina's critics holding a protest and celebrating as the judgment was announced.

The city has seen a notable rise in turmoil, with dozens of bombs exploded and buses set on fire in the days leading up to the verdict.

One explosive incident was reported in Dhaka on Monday morning, with no victims identified, regional security representative Jisanul Haque told media outlets.

The student-led uprising last year began with calls to eliminate public sector reservation policies but transformed into a wider anti-government movement.

United Nations rights examiners declared in an analysis in February that the approximately 1,400 deaths could constitute "violations of human dignity".

The report documented the firing at close quarters of some protesters, the intentional injuring of additional individuals, unjustified apprehensions and abuse.

Leaked audio of a call made by the former leader authenticated by external reviews during the current year suggested she had sanctioned the use of "deadly arms" in July 2024. The recording was presented in court during the legal process.

Ahead of the verdict, family members of those who died in the demonstrations informed news agencies they wanted the former leader to face strict penalties.

Ramjan Ali, whose sibling was killed in July 2024, said he wanted "exemplary punishment" for her and co-accused who have "committed acts of vengeance and exploited their positions".

A different family member, whose partner was fatally injured near Dhaka in August 2024, said she wanted the former leader's punishment to be "carried out before the election".

"Exclusively thereafter the families of those killed [in the protests] will find peace in their minds."

After her departure, an temporary leadership headed by economic expert Muhammad Yunus has assumed power. A national vote is planned for February 2026.

Nevertheless, the Awami League, Hasina's political party, was banned by Bangladesh's caretaker administration in May.

Hasina warned during the past month that if the party's candidates were prohibited from running in the upcoming election, millions would boycott the vote.

This decision presents a international dilemma for both nations. Authorities have sought her extradition but to date India has shown no willingness to comply.

Her officially designated attorney the defense lawyer said he was "sad [and wishes] the outcome had varied".

"I cannot even contest because my defendants are not present; which is why I am sad," he added.

Last week, Hasina's lawyers said they had lodged a prompt application to the UN raising serious fair trial and judicial process problems at the ICT.

Hasina was tried in conjunction with her ex-interior minister and police chief.

While the sentence grants partial finality to families of killed 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 diminished," a civil liberties campaigner in Dhaka told media outlets. "The leader and her faction has said sorry or shown any remorse for the fatalities of countless citizens."

The activist stated "This complicates matters for the party to be accepted by a majority of people in this nation."

The activist added that the penalty was not closure for the families of those who died and were wounded.

"We support multiple individuals who underwent irreversible limb loss, they are currently without limbs, as a result of the harsh measures. They will never be able to forgive her."

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

This might transform if "an expression of regret occurs and a distancing from Sheikh Hasina and the previous administration," he stated.