Bangladesh tribunal sentences Awami League leader to death

A special tribunal in Bangladesh has sentenced Mahbubul Alam Hanif, the joint general secretary of the Awami League, to death for crimes against humanity. The verdict, delivered by a three-member tribunal led by Justice Nozrul Islam Chowdhury, stems from his role in the killing of six people during the July 2024 student-led uprising in the Kushtia district.

Three other Awami League leaders—Sadar Uddin Khan, Asgar Ali, and Ataur Rahman—were sentenced to life imprisonment for their involvement in the same events. The tribunal also ordered the confiscation of half of the properties belonging to the four accused. All four individuals are currently absconding.

Hanif is the 23rd leader of the now-disbanded Awami League to receive the death penalty following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government. While the interim regime led by Muhammad Yunus oversees the transition, former government leaders and international rights groups have raised concerns regarding the fairness of the proceedings.