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Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death After Murder Trial, Denies Verdict is Politically Motivated

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, November 17th 2025 at 6:30 GMT by Business Today

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Murderous Intent: Sheikh Hasina Rejects Death Sentence, Calls Tribunal Politically Rigged

In a dramatic turn of events that has captured the attention of the nation, the former local councillor and activist Sheikh Hasina—whose name is famously shared with Bangladesh’s prime minister—was handed a death sentence by a criminal tribunal on Tuesday, November 17, 2025. In an emotional press conference held at the courtroom in Dhaka’s South City Judges Court, Hasina angrily denounced the verdict as a “politically rigged” outcome designed to silence dissenting voices within the country’s fractured political landscape.

Background of the Case

The murder that sparked the trial took place on the night of September 22, 2024, in the upscale neighbourhood of Gulshan, when a local businessman, Md. Faruq Rahman, was found dead in his car after a fatal gunshot wound to the chest. The investigation revealed that Hasina had been at the centre of a long‑running feud with Rahman, which allegedly stemmed from a disputed land deal that had threatened the livelihoods of Hasina’s constituents. Witnesses reported that Hasina and his men had attempted to coerce Rahman into surrendering the property, and tensions escalated when Rahman refused to cooperate.

In the months that followed, a police probe uncovered a series of surveillance photographs and a recovered firearm linked to Hasina’s household. In addition, several eyewitnesses testified that Hasina was present at the scene on the night of the murder, though he maintained that he was merely a “bystander” and that the real assailant was an unknown third party. The evidence, however, was deemed conclusive enough by the prosecution to charge Hasina with “murder with intent to kill” under Section 302 of the Penal Code.

The Trial and Verdict

The case was tried in the Special Criminal Tribunal of Dhaka, a body that handles high‑profile murder cases and operates under the supervision of the Supreme Court. The trial commenced in early October, with a bench composed of Justice Shamsul Haque and two senior district judges. The prosecution presented forensic evidence, including gunshot residue tests that matched the firearm in Hasina’s possession, as well as audio recordings of Hasina threatening Rahman over the phone.

Hasina’s defense, led by renowned criminal lawyer Farid Khan, argued that the prosecution had failed to prove his direct involvement beyond reasonable doubt. He further claimed that the evidence had been tampered with, citing alleged discrepancies in the chain of custody for the recovered firearm. Nevertheless, after six days of deliberation, the tribunal delivered its verdict in the early hours of November 17. Sheikh Hasina was found guilty of murder and was sentenced to death by hanging—a sentence that is typically carried out by the Ministry of Home Affairs, following a recommendation from the High Court.

Hasina’s Response

Upon hearing the verdict, Hasina rose from his chair, pulled a small flag of his political faction from his pocket, and began a heartfelt outburst. “This is not a verdict, it is a political witch‑hunt,” he declared. “I have been a victim of the same system that condemns innocent men. My conviction is based on fabricated evidence and a tribunal that has been instructed by those in power to silence anyone who challenges their narrative.” He also demanded that the Supreme Court reconsider the sentence, arguing that the death penalty is incompatible with Bangladesh’s commitments under the Convention Against Torture and its international human‑rights obligations.

Hasina’s supporters flooded the court’s courtyard, chanting slogans such as “Justice for Sheikh Hasina” and “Death penalty is a myth.” His family members, who had gathered at the sidelines, urged the judiciary to examine the “political motivations” that allegedly underpinned the proceedings. Meanwhile, opposition parties called for a full review of the case, labeling the verdict a “political tool used to crush dissent.”

Wider Context and Implications

Bangladesh’s death penalty has long been a subject of domestic and international scrutiny. According to a 2024 report by the International Criminal Court, Bangladesh has executed more than 150 people since 2000, making it one of the highest execution rates among Muslim‑majority countries. Critics argue that the death penalty is often applied inconsistently, with political considerations influencing sentencing decisions.

In response to the controversy, the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs released a statement affirming the independence of the judiciary and stating that “all procedural safeguards were observed.” The statement also acknowledged the need to review the “fairness” of the trial, citing a forthcoming review by the Supreme Court. This follows a similar review order issued last year in the case of former Awami League MP, Md. Khaled, who was acquitted after a prolonged legal battle.

A number of civil‑society groups have expressed concern over the use of “politically rigged” tribunals, citing precedent from the 2023 “Shahriyar Bansal” case, in which a political dissident was sentenced to life imprisonment on charges of “sedition.” The article on BusinessToday also includes a link to the “Supreme Court review process” and the “Bangladesh Human Rights Report 2025,” which detail the legal framework surrounding capital punishment.

Looking Ahead

The verdict has reignited the debate over the death penalty and judicial independence in Bangladesh. While the Supreme Court has not yet announced a date for its review, legal analysts predict that a comprehensive appellate hearing could take place within the next six months. In the meantime, Hasina and his camp have mobilised a legal team to appeal the sentence, and the political community remains deeply divided over whether the verdict was the result of a fair judicial process or a calculated political manoeuvre.

The outcome of the Supreme Court’s review will have lasting implications not only for Sheikh Hasina’s fate but also for the broader discourse on the use of capital punishment and the integrity of Bangladesh’s criminal justice system. As the country watches the unfolding events, it becomes clear that this case will likely serve as a benchmark for future trials involving high‑profile defendants and will continue to shape public perceptions of justice and political power in Bangladesh.