The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Monday expressed deep concern over the death sentences handed down by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and a former Home Minister, calling the verdicts “an important moment” for victims but stressing that accountability must meet international standards.
In a statement responding to the tribunal’s convictions on charges of crimes against humanity linked to last year’s violent suppression of protests, the UN human rights office noted that it has repeatedly urged Bangladesh to ensure justice processes are fair, transparent and in line with international law.
The OHCHR recalled that since releasing its fact-finding report in February 2025, it has pushed for all perpetrators — including those in positions of leadership — to be held accountable and for victims to access effective remedies and reparation.
However, the Office emphasized serious concerns about due process, noting that the trials were held in absentia and culminated in capital punishment. The High Commissioner underscored the UN’s long-standing and unequivocal opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances.
“We were not privy to the conduct of this trial, but we have consistently advocated that all accountability proceedings — especially those involving international crimes — must fully meet international fair-trial standards,” the statement said. “We also regret the imposition of the death penalty, which we oppose in all circumstances.”
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk urged Bangladesh to pursue a “comprehensive process of truth-telling, reparation and justice” as a path toward national reconciliation and healing. Such efforts, he said, should include meaningful reforms in the security sector to prevent future violations.
Türk added that the UN Office stands ready to support the Bangladeshi government and its people in these efforts.
Calling for calm in the wake of the tribunal’s decisions, the High Commissioner appealed to all actors to exercise restraint as the country reacts to the developments.
