UN Chief Opposes Death Penalty For Sheikh Hasina; Raises Concerns Over Trial Standards

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly opposed the death penalty imposed on former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who a local court sentenced in absentia.

Speaking through his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres reaffirmed that the UN rejects the use of capital punishment under all circumstances.

Responding to questions at his daily briefing in New York, Dujarric emphasised that the Secretary-General’s office ‘stands against the death penalty in all circumstances’.

The sentence was issued while Hasina remains in exile in India after fleeing Bangladesh following violent student-led protests last year.

Dujarric also highlighted the remarks of UN Human Rights High Commissioner Volker Türk, noting that the Secretary-General ‘fully agrees’ with the Commissioner’s opposition to the use of the death penalty.

Concerns Over the Tribunal and Fair Trial Standards

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), a panel of Bangladeshi judges, delivered the death sentence.

Muhammad Yunus, the unelected leader currently controlling Bangladesh, revived the tribunal that the government originally created to prosecute Pakistan Army officials and local collaborators for genocide during the 1971 Liberation War.

The revived ICT is now trying Sheikh Hasina and other political figures on charges linked to last year’s protest suppression.

Critics say the authorities have expanded and politicised the tribunal’s mandate, raising concerns about fairness and transparency.

In a statement from Geneva, Ravina Shamdasani, Spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Chief, described the verdict against Hasina and her former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal as ‘an important moment for victims of last year’s violations’.

However, she also acknowledged significant limitations, noting, “We were not privy to the conduct of this trial.”

She stressed that trials conducted in absentia—especially those involving the possibility of capital punishment—must unquestionably meet international standards of due process and fair trial.

The ruling has triggered international scrutiny, with human rights advocates questioning the legitimacy of the proceedings and the political motives behind them.

As Bangladesh faces heightened tensions under an unelected administration, the UN’s firm stance underscores growing global concern over the country’s judicial process and governance.

Also Read: Bangladesh Awami League Calls Nationwide Shutdown Over Hasina Death Verdict