Bangladesh court hands death sentence to former minister for uprising killings

A Bangladeshi court delivered a death sentence to the former minister on Wednesday, finding him culpable in killings that occurred during the mass uprising that roiled the nation in 2024. The tribunal conducted proceedings in absentia, as the defendant was not present during the trial.

The convicted official served under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's administration, which was ousted following the widespread civil unrest. Six people were killed in incidents attributed to the minister's actions or authority during the period of civil disturbance.

The verdict represents part of a broader accountability process unfolding in Bangladesh following the change of government. Judicial authorities have initiated multiple proceedings against officials and security personnel connected to deaths and abuses documented during the 2024 uprising.

The former minister's current whereabouts remain unclear, though his sentencing in absentia allows judicial proceedings to advance regardless of his presence. Bangladesh's transitional authorities have signaled commitments to investigating alleged state violence during the uprising period.