The UN said the verdict in ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's proceedings is “an important moment for the victims of grave violations”, but condemned the tribunal’s order for the death sentence.

“While we were not privy to the conduct of this trial, we have consistently advocated for all accountability proceedings – especially on charges of international crimes – to unquestionably meet international standards of due process and fair trial,” said Ravina Shamdasani, the spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Monday.

“We also regret the imposition of the death penalty, which we oppose in all circumstances.”

The spokesperson added the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, called for Bangladesh’s government to begin reparations.

“This should include meaningful and transformative security sector reforms, to ensure that these violations and abuses are never repeated and our office stands ready to support the government and people of Bangladesh in these endeavours.”

It comes as Hasina and one of her close aides were sentenced to death on Monday over her crackdown on a student uprising last year that killed hundreds of people and led to the toppling of her 15-year rule.

The International Crimes Tribunal based in Dhaka, the capital, passed sentence on Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan for their involvement in the use of deadly force against protesters. 

Hasina and Khan, who fled to India last year, were sentenced in absentia.

India has so far declined to extradite them, making it unlikely that they would ever be executed. 

A third suspect, a former police chief, was sentenced to five years in prison after becoming a state witness against Hasina and pleading guilty.

Hasina and Khan were accused of crimes against humanity for the killing of hundreds of people during a student-led uprising in July and August of 2024.

The health adviser to Bangladesh's interim government said more than 800 people were killed and about 14,000 were injured.

However, the United Nations in a February report estimated the death toll could be up to 1,400.