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Bangladesh's former prime minister has been sentenced to death for human rights violations over her harsh response on youth demonstrations which led to her removal from power.

The court convicted Sheikh Hasina of authorizing deadly measures to be used against protesters, 1,400 of whom died during the unrest last year.

Legal proceedings were conducted in absentia by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh, having been exiled in India after being removed from office in July 2024.

Legal authorities charged her of being the mastermind of multiple fatalities during the protests. She has refuted the entire case, labeling the proceedings as "biased and politically motivated".

This judgment represents a critical juncture for Bangladesh, as the protests brought forth resentment over long-standing suppression. Relatives of the deceased and harmed had called for strict sentences.

Responding to the decision in a five-page statement, she expressed the death penalty was the interim government's way of "eradicating the Awami League" as a political force and that she was satisfied of her government's record on human rights.

"I do not fear to confront those accusing me in a fair court where the proof can be evaluated and tested fairly."

The capital, Dhaka, where the court convened, was under tightened security before the ruling on Monday, with many of Hasina's critics staging a rally and applauding as the verdict was read.

The city has seen a notable rise in disturbances, with numerous incendiary devices set off and public transport vehicles burned in the days leading up to the verdict.

At least one bomb explosion was reported in Dhaka on Monday morning, with no victims identified, local police official Jisanul Haque stated to press agencies.

The protest movement led by students during 2024 started with calls to eliminate government job quotas but morphed into a more extensive dissent initiative.

United Nations rights examiners said in a report in February that the around 1,400 fatalities could constitute "violations of human dignity".

The report documented the firing at close quarters of certain demonstrators, the deliberate maiming of others, unwarranted detentions and torture.

Leaked audio of a telephone conversation involving Hasina verified by media examinations during the current year suggested she had sanctioned the use of "deadly arms" in July 2024. The recording was presented in court during the proceedings.

Prior to the ruling, kin of those fatally injured in the unrest informed media representatives they wanted the former leader to face strict penalties.

A family representative, whose family member was fatally wounded in July 2024, said he wanted "exemplary punishment" for the former leader and associates who have "performed revengeful deeds and abused their power".

Lucky Akther, whose partner was fatally injured near Dhaka in August 2024, said she wanted the former leader's punishment to be "implemented before the election".

"Solely at that point the families of those killed [in the protests] will find peace in their souls."

After her departure, an interim government led by economist Muhammad Yunus has assumed control. A general election is scheduled for February 2026.

Nevertheless, the her former political organization, her political faction, was prohibited by Bangladesh's interim government in May.

The former leader cautioned in the previous month that if the the League's representatives were barred from participating in the imminent electoral process, numerous would avoid the vote.

This decision presents a international dilemma for India and Bangladesh. Dhaka has formally requested her return but so far India has expressed no readiness to agree.

Hasina's state-appointed lawyer the defense lawyer said he was "sad [and wishes] the decision had been otherwise".

"I cannot even contest because my defendants are not present; which is why I am sad," he continued.

Last week, the defense attorneys said they had lodged a prompt application to the UN pointing out major judicial fairness and legal procedure concerns at the ICT.

Hasina was tried together with her ex-interior minister and security forces head.

Although the punishment grants partial finality to kin of victims in the protests, it may do little to soothe the nation's partisan rifts.

"The resentment towards Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League has not decreased," a human rights advocate from the capital informed news organizations. "The leader and her faction has apologised or demonstrated contrition for the fatalities of countless citizens."

She said "This creates challenges for the party to be accepted by a most citizens in this country."

The advocate continued that the punishment was not closure for the families of those who died and were wounded.

"We work with numerous persons who underwent irreversible limb loss, they are now disabled, because of the suppression. They cannot pardon her."

An analyst, an observer of Bangladeshi affairs, said the "fundamental aspect of the condemnation could make it even more difficult" for Awami League to become a standard element of the country's governance system again.

This might transform if "a form of contrition emerges and a distancing from Sheikh Hasina and the former hierarchy," he stated.