The death sentence handed down to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina for crimes against humanity could play a significant role in deterring future rulers from embracing fascist tendencies in Bangladesh, say analysts.
Political scientists and commentators told TIMES of Bangladesh that the verdict would force political actors to think twice before resorting to authoritarianism. They also argued that parties or individuals seeking power with India’s backing would now act with greater caution.
They believe that if politicians take lessons from the episode, Bangladesh could see the emergence of a more tolerant political culture and a smoother democratic path.
Analysts further noted that with following the conviction of its leader, Awami League, whose activities are currently banned, faces a difficult future. Many said the verdict carries an important message for all sectors of society.
Jahangirnagar University’s retired professor of government and politics, and political analyst, Dilara Chowdhury, told TIMES that the ruling conveyed two key lessons.
“One is that if anyone wants to be fascist, the people of this country will bring them to justice.”
“The other is that those who, like Sheikh Hasina, try to cling to power with India’s backing while ignoring public opinion will see that such reliance is not sustainable.”
She said Hasina had neither sought forgiveness nor shown remorse despite committing “such grave offences”.
“This attitude of Sheikh Hasina will push Awami League into deeper trouble and place the lives of its activists in uncertainty.”
Many analysts observed that Bangladesh had seen cases and convictions against several heads of government in the past, but politicians did not abandon authoritarian tendencies or misrule. Instead, those who came to power often withdrew cases against themselves and suppressed dissent.
Dhaka University professor of political science Sabbir Ahmed said that politicians must break with past practices and chart a new course.
“If politicians take lessons, positive outcomes may follow. In the past too, political leaders were convicted for irregularities and corruption, but those cases were withdrawn after changes of government. This proves that good governance has not been established in the country.”
He argued that Hasina still refused to accept her failures in governing both the party and the state.
“Her aggressive attitude has not gone away. She should have admitted her failures, apologised, and stepped aside. She should have allowed some capable individuals to refine the Awami League. Instead, by trying to hold on to the leadership, she is putting her activists at greater risk and pushing the party towards an existential crisis.”
Veteran left-leaning politicians, including from the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), told TIMES that misrule by an individual eventually harms both the party and the country.
They emphasised that there is no alternative to practising democracy in political parties and the state. They believe the verdict against Sheikh Hasina delivers precisely that message.
