Urgent Appeal to UN Highlights Serious Fair Trial Concerns in Sheikh Hasina’s In Absentia Trial Before Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal

London/Melbourne, 11 November 2025: An Urgent Appeal has been filed with the United Nations (UN) raising grave concerns over the fairness and legality of the ongoing in absentia trial of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina before the country’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).

The appeal, submitted by Steven Powles KC and Tatyana Eatwell of Doughty Street Chambers, London, on behalf of Sheikh Hasina, was lodged with the UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers and the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions. It outlines what the legal team describes as “serious violations of fair trial rights and due process” in Hasina’s prosecution under the unelected interim government in Dhaka.

Background

Sheikh Hasina, who led Bangladesh from 2009 until her ouster in August 2024, fled to India amid widespread anti-government protests that escalated into violent unrest. Following her departure, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus established an interim government on 8 August 2024.

In July 2025, Hasina and two senior officials of her former administration were indicted by the ICT for alleged crimes against humanity in connection with the government’s response to the July–August 2024 demonstrations. The former prime minister is being tried in absentia, with a verdict expected soon and reports indicating she could face a death sentence.

Core Issues Raised in the UN Appeal

The Urgent Appeal argues that the proceedings are taking place in an environment marked by political retaliation and a lack of judicial independence. It claims that:

Steven Powles KC and Tatyana Eatwell of Doughty Street Chambers, London, acting on behalf of Sheikh Hasina.

The tribunal lacks impartiality, as required under Article 14(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Judges are said to have political links to parties opposed to Hasina’s Awami League, while the Chief Prosecutor has reportedly appeared at political rallies calling for the party’s ban.

Hasina has been denied basic legal rights, including notification of charges, access to counsel of her choosing, and the opportunity to defend herself. Lawyers associated with the Awami League have allegedly faced intimidation and physical attacks, leaving her represented only by a state-appointed lawyer with whom she has had no contact.

Selective prosecution has been applied, with the interim government declaring that those responsible for the 2024 uprising “will not face prosecution for their acts between 15 July and 8 August 2024,” despite alleged abuses committed by both sides during the unrest.

A potential death sentence handed down after such a flawed process would, according to the appeal, amount to a summary execution and violate the right to life guaranteed under Article 6 of the ICCPR.

Representation and Next Steps

The appeal emphasises that Sheikh Hasina’s trial represents a test of Bangladesh’s adherence to international human rights norms and judicial independence. Powles and Eatwell have urged the UN to intervene to ensure compliance with due process and to halt any execution pending an independent review.

Source: Doughty Street Chambers, London