The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has characterised the International Crimes Tribunal’s recent judgments against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal as a pivotal development for the victims of last year’s violent protest suppression.
However, the body voiced regret over the tribunal’s decision to impose capital punishment.
In an official statement released on Monday, the UN office stated that the convictions for crimes against humanity constitute a major advancement for those who suffered “grave violations” during the quelling of the July 2024 demonstrations.
The UN body said that the sentencing of Hasina for crimes against humanity represented “an important moment for victims of the grave violations committed during the suppression of protests last year.”
UN Human Rights Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said, “We have been calling for perpetrators — including individuals in positions of command and leadership — to be held accountable in accordance with international standards.”
She further underlined that the office has “consistently advocated for all accountability proceedings — especially on charges of international crimes — to unquestionably meet international standards of due process and fair trial.”
Shamdasani added, “This is particularly vital when, as was the case here, the trials have been conducted in absentia and led to a capital punishment sentence.”
The UN body also recalled that following its detailed fact-finding report from February 2025, it has consistently demanded accountability for all individuals responsible for the atrocities, including those in positions of command. It further emphasised the necessity for victims to receive access to effective remedies and reparations.
“While we were not privy to the conduct of this trial, we have consistently advocated for all accountability proceedings – especially on charges of international crimes – to unquestionably meet international standards of due process and fair trial,” she said.
“This is particularly vital when, as was the case here, the trials have been conducted in absentia and led to a capital punishment sentence. We also regret the imposition of the death penalty, which we oppose in all circumstances,” she added.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed his hope for Bangladesh to embark on a comprehensive process centered on truth-telling, reparation, and justice, viewing it as the essential route toward national reconciliation and healing.
“This should include meaningful and transformative security sector reform, which respects international standards, to ensure that these violations and abuses are never repeated. The Office stands ready to support the Government and people of Bangladesh in these endeavours.”
The high commissioner further appealed for calm and for all parties to demonstrate restraint in light of these judicial outcomes.
