Key Highlights
- Sajeeb Wazed, son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, warns a special tribunal will sentence his mother to death.
- The verdict is due on November 17, 2025, following charges of crimes against humanity over a deadly crackdown on protests in 2024.
- Hasina has lived in Indian exile since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024 and denies wrongdoing, calling the proceedings politically motivated.
- The interim government banned the Awami League party’s political activities, leading to threats of mass voter boycotts by its supporters.
Background
The Ongoing Political Crisis in Bangladesh
For months, Bangladesh has been embroiled in a political crisis that threatens to undermine the stability of an already volatile nation. At the heart of this turmoil is Sheikh Hasina, once the longest-serving Prime Minister of the country, who now faces charges of crimes against humanity for leading a brutal crackdown on student-led protests in 2024.
Crackdown and Fugitive Status
In August 2024, as protests grew more intense, Sheikh Hasina’s administration resorted to forceful measures that left at least 1,400 people dead according to a UN report. The crackdown forced the former Prime Minister into exile in New Delhi, India, where she continues to reside under full security provided by the Indian government.
Verdict and Threats of Retaliation
The Dhaka court is set to deliver its verdict on November 17, 2025, which is expected to include a sentence against Sheikh Hasina. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, has already warned that the tribunal will likely sentence his mother to death. The threat comes as tensions in Bangladesh continue to rise, with recent reports of crude bombs exploding across Dhaka and arson attacks targeting buses.
Political Landscape
The interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has suspended the Awami League party’s registration and banned its political activities, citing national security threats and war crimes investigations. These actions have emboldened Wazed to threaten that his supporters will block upcoming elections unless these restrictions are lifted.
Impact on Upcoming Elections
The stakes are high as the interim government has pledged to hold elections in February 2026, along with a referendum on constitutional reforms. Wazed asserts that without lifting the ban on their party and ensuring inclusive and free elections, his supporters will intensify protests and potentially engage in violent actions.
Expert Analysis
Michael Kugelman, a South Asia analyst, warns of the potential for violence if Sheikh Hasina’s son follows through with his threats. “Sheikh Hasina remains a lightning rod in Bangladeshi politics,” he stated, adding that any online speech from her could trigger violent reactions.
Broader Context and Concerns
The backdrop of these elections is marred by concerns over the interim government’s record. A report by Odhikar documented at least 40 extrajudicial killings between August 2024 and September 2025, suggesting that state violence remains a significant issue in Bangladesh despite promises to end it.
The continued operations of security forces accused of abuses under Hasina’s rule, including the paramilitary Rapid Action Battalion, raise questions about the interim government’s ability to ensure fair elections. The implications of these tensions extend beyond just this election cycle, potentially shaping the political landscape for years to come in Bangladesh.
