Death Sentences for Police Officers in Bangladesh Amidst 2024 Protest Violence

In a significant ruling, a Bangladeshi tribunal has sentenced three police officers to death for their involvement in the violent protests of 2024 that resulted in the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The International Crimes Tribunal found them guilty of murder during the unrest, which saw a tragic loss of life. This decision comes amidst ongoing trials of several politicians linked to the protests, raising questions about the legal framework governing these proceedings. The ICT-BD, established to address wartime crimes, has now expanded its scope to include actions taken during the recent civil unrest, marking a pivotal moment in Bangladesh's political landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 28, 2026, 17:48 IST

Judicial Action Against Police Officers

Dhaka: A special tribunal in Bangladesh has sentenced three police officials, including the former chief of Dhaka police, to death for their involvement in suppressing the violent protests led by students in 2024 that resulted in the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh (ICT-BD) found former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman, along with additional deputy commissioner Rashedul Islam and former officer in charge Mashiur Rahman guilty of murder, including the fatal shooting of a young man during the unrest.

The tribunal's chairman, Mohammad Golam Mortuza Mozumder, announced that the convicted officers would face execution by hanging.

Additionally, a police sub-inspector received a life sentence, while an assistant sub-inspector was sentenced to 20 years in prison, marking the only accused to appear in court.

The protests, known as the 'July Uprising', escalated in July and August, leading to Hasina's escape to India on August 5, 2024, with an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus taking over shortly after.

A report from a UN human rights office in 2025 indicated that approximately 1,400 individuals lost their lives during the crackdown on protesters ordered by Hasina's administration.

Three of the five convicted individuals are believed to be evading capture, and under ICT-BD regulations, they may appeal the ruling once they are apprehended.

Previously, on November 17, 2025, the ICT-BD sentenced Hasina and her home minister, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, to death in absentia for their roles in the violent suppression of protests.

On the same day, former police inspector general Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun received a five-year sentence after cooperating with the prosecution.

The prosecution argued that the convicted officers acted with excessive force against civilians and students under orders from Hasina and other senior officials.

Ongoing trials at the ICT-BD include several prominent politicians, with a verdict expected on June 30 against Hasanul Haque Inu, the leader of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASOD) and former information minister.

However, a legal challenge questioning the legitimacy of the amended ICT-BD Act is currently pending in the High Court, following a writ petition filed by senior lawyer Mohammad Mohsen Rashid.

The ICT-BD was established in 2010 by Hasina's government to prosecute individuals who collaborated with Pakistani forces during Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War.

In the past, six individuals, including a leader from the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), were executed following trials in the ICT-BD, alongside five leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami, who opposed the independence movement.

The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has since amended the ICT-BD law to facilitate the prosecution of Awami League leaders for crimes against humanity.