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Sunday, 30 November
The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has described the International Crimes Tribunal’s death-penalty verdict against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan as an important moment for victims of serious human rights violations during last year’s mass uprising.
However, the UN expressed clear dissatisfaction over the imposition of the death penalty.
In a statement issued today following the announcement of the verdict, OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said that since the publication of their fact-finding report in February 2025, the UN has repeatedly called for accountability—according to international standards—for those responsible, including individuals in command and leadership positions. She also reiterated the call to ensure effective remedies and compensation for victims.
Shamdasani noted that the UN had not been informed about the progress of the trial proceedings. For that reason, she emphasized that all accountability measures—particularly in cases involving international crimes—must fully comply with fair-trial guarantees and international due-process standards. She highlighted concerns that the trial was conducted in the absence of the accused and resulted in a death sentence, saying this makes adherence to international norms especially crucial.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the death penalty, she said, “We regret the imposition of the death sentence. We oppose it in all circumstances.”
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed hope that Bangladesh will move toward national unity and healing through a comprehensive process of truth-seeking, reparations, and justice. He stressed that meaningful and transformative reforms of the security sector—aligned with international standards—will be essential to ensuring that such violations never recur. The OHCHR affirmed its readiness to support the government and people of Bangladesh in these efforts.
November 18, 2025
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