Bangladesh’s political turmoil deepened on Monday as a special court handed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina a death sentence, concluding a months-long trial accusing her of ordering a violent crackdown on last year’s student uprising.
The verdict marks a dramatic turn for the nation of 170 million, which has struggled with instability since Hasina fled to India in August 2024. Here is a concise timeline of the events that led to this outcome:
Uprising Begins Over Job Quotas
The movement started when Students Against Discrimination demanded changes to public-sector job quotas. By July 2024, their demands expanded to include Hasina’s resignation, sparking nationwide clashes between protesters, security forces, and Awami League supporters.
Deadly Crackdown and Hasina’s Escape
As violence intensified, hundreds were killed and thousands injured. The unrest reached its peak on August 5, when crowds stormed the prime minister’s official residence.
Just hours before the breach, Hasina fled to New Delhi, where she has remained since.
Yunus Takes Charge as Interim Leader
Following her departure, an interim government assumed control. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, 85, became the de facto prime minister, with the mandate to restore order and prepare for elections scheduled for early February.
Slow Progress on Reforms
—progressDespite promises of sweeping institutional changes — including restoring a non-partisan caretaker system, reforms to the Election Commission, and depoliticization of state bodies — progress has been uneven and slow.
Major reforms stalled due to deep political divisions over constitutional changes, judicial restructuring, and proposals for a bicameral parliament.
Election Challenges and Awami League’s Exclusion
Pressure is mounting on the interim government as it balances reform with demands for early polls.
Controversy deepened after the Awami League’s registration was suspended, effectively banning it from contesting upcoming elections.
Many observers argue that excluding a major political party could undermine the credibility of the vote.
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