More than 48 hours after Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ex-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death, the global human rights community is raising sharp concerns — but major Western powers remain conspicuously quiet.

Despite previously criticizing the Hasina administration for human rights violations, neither the US State Department nor the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has commented on the ICT verdict. The UK, which abolished the death penalty in 1998, had been especially vocal in the past on rights issues in Bangladesh.

The silence stands in contrast to earlier statements from both nations. In 2023, Human Rights Watch quoted US Ambassador Peter Haas expressing “serious concerns about human rights and the future of democracy in Bangladesh”. British officials similarly insisted on respecting “human rights and fundamental freedoms”.

India ‘notes’ verdict, draws criticism for tepid response

India’s External Affairs Ministry issued a restrained statement saying it had “noted” the verdict and reaffirmed its commitment to peace and stability in Bangladesh. The wording left several Awami League leaders disappointed, with some telling Northeast News they expected a “more forthright statement from New Delhi, especially when a death sentence has been passed against a woman”.

ICT-appointed defence lawyer Mohammad Amir Hossain stirred further controversy when he appeared smiling before saying he was “sad” about being unable to appeal because his “clients are absent”.

Amnesty International condemns trial as “cruel and inhuman”

In the strongest global reaction so far, Amnesty International denounced the ICT verdict in a hard-hitting statement on November 17.

The organization called the proceedings “neither fair nor just”, asserting that the trial failed to meet basic standards of due process and justice delivery.

“Victims need justice and accountability, yet the death penalty simply compounds human rights violations. It’s the ultimate cruel, degrading and inhuman punishment and has no place in any justice process.” — Amnesty International.

The group underscored that capital punishment undermines human rights rather than addressing wrongdoing, urging authorities to repeal the sentence and ensure a fair judicial process.

Broader rights concerns highlighted

Past reports from the UK Home Office and statements from American and British diplomats have long flagged systemic abuses by Bangladeshi law enforcement agencies. In July 2024, 22 British MPs signed a parliamentary motion expressing “grave concerns” over the country’s human rights trajectory.

Hasina herself has avoided criticizing the US in recent interviews, despite widespread speculation that Washington played a role in Bangladesh’s 2024 regime change.

As the international community weighs its response, Amnesty International’s condemnation stands as the most forceful objection so far. With two of the world’s major democracies remaining silent, human rights advocates warn that the handling of the verdict could set a troubling precedent for justice and political accountability in Bangladesh.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share