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The ex-prime minister of Bangladesh has been sentenced to death for atrocities due to her severe measures on youth demonstrations which resulted in her ousting.

Hasina was declared culpable of allowing lethal force to be used against demonstrators, with approximately 1,400 individuals lost their lives during the unrest last year.

Hasina was tried without her presence by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh, as she resides in exile in India after being removed from office in July 2024.

Prosecutors accused her of being the mastermind of multiple fatalities during the protests. She has refuted the entire case, describing the process as "unfair and agenda-driven".

The verdict marks a decisive point for Bangladesh, as the protests brought forth resentment over long-standing suppression. Families of those killed and wounded had demanded severe punishments.

Reacting to the verdict in a detailed document, Hasina said the death penalty was the interim government's way of "eliminating her political faction" as a political force and that she was content of her administration's performance on civil liberties.

"I do not fear to confront those accusing me in a proper tribunal where the evidence can be weighed and tested fairly."

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

The capital witnessed a recent spike in turmoil, with dozens of bombs exploded and buses set on fire in the time before the verdict.

At least one bomb explosion was noted in Dhaka on Monday morning, with no victims identified, regional security representative Jisanul Haque stated to press agencies.

The student-led uprising during 2024 commenced through demands to abolish state employment quotas but evolved into a broader opposition campaign.

UN human rights investigators stated in a document in February that the approximately 1,400 deaths could amount to "human rights atrocities".

The study recorded the firing at close quarters of certain demonstrators, the deliberate maiming of additional individuals, unwarranted detentions and torture.

Disclosed sound files of a call made by the former leader verified by media examinations earlier this year indicated she had authorized the use of "fatal instruments" in July 2024. The audio was played in court during the proceedings.

Ahead of the verdict, kin of those who died in the demonstrations told 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 her and co-accused who have "performed revengeful deeds and abused their power".

Lucky Akther, whose husband was killed near Dhaka in August 2024, said she wanted her penalty to be "executed before the election".

"Only then the kin of victims [in the protests] will obtain solace in their minds."

Following her removal, an interim government under the guidance of economic expert Muhammad Yunus has assumed power. A parliamentary election is set for February 2026.

However, the her former political organization, the former ruling party, was banned by Bangladesh's interim government in May.

She alerted during the past month that if the party's candidates were prohibited from running in the forthcoming vote, countless would abstain the vote.

This decision presents a foreign relations issue for the neighboring countries. Authorities have sought her extradition but so far India has demonstrated no inclination to comply.

The legal representative assigned to her Mohammad Amir Hossain said he was "unhappy and desiring the decision had been otherwise".

"I am unable to challenge because my defendants are not present; for that reason I am sad," he stated further.

Last week, Hasina's lawyers said they had filed an urgent appeal to the UN pointing out serious fair trial and legal procedure concerns at the ICT.

Hasina was tried together with her previous domestic affairs official and security forces head.

Even though the verdict provides certain resolution to relatives of the deceased in the protests, it may do little to soothe the nation's partisan rifts.

"The anger against Hasina and the Awami League has not decreased," a civil liberties campaigner in Dhaka informed press agencies. "Both she and the organization has apologised or demonstrated contrition for the fatalities of countless citizens."

The advocate declared "This complicates matters for the organization to receive endorsement by a most citizens in this nation."

The activist added that the sentence was not closure for the kin of those killed and injured.

"We assist multiple individuals who suffered permanent amputations, they are now disabled, because of the suppression. They will never be able to forgive her."

An analyst, an observer of Bangladeshi affairs, said the "fundamental aspect of the condemnation could make it particularly hard" for the political faction to become a normal feature of the nation's political landscape again.

This may change if "a form of contrition emerges and a separation from Hasina and the former hierarchy," he stated.