The United Nations has expressed concern over the death penalty handed down to Bangladesh’s former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was convicted of crimes against humanity in relation to her government’s crackdown on student-led protests in 2024.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh sentenced Hasina to death after finding her guilty of ordering the killing of protesters, which resulted in the deaths of at least 1,400 individuals.

While the UN Human Rights Office acknowledged that the verdict marked a significant moment for the victims, it also reiterated its opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances.

The UN emphasized the importance of holding leaders accountable for human rights violations but expressed regret that the sentence of capital punishment would not contribute to restorative justice, particularly given Bangladesh’s complex political situation.

The UN’s statement follows increasing pressure from human rights groups to ensure accountability for the violence during the 2024 protests, which saw military and police forces use excessive force against demonstrators. However, the organization reiterated its stance against the use of capital punishment, calling for the implementation of fair and just legal processes.

Bangladesh’s interim government, which has been in power since Hasina’s ousting on August 5, 2024, has welcomed the verdict as a historic step for justice. The government has pledged to continue pushing for Hasina’s extradition from India to carry out the death sentence, though diplomatic tensions remain as India has not shown any willingness to comply with the request.