From power to peril: Sheikh Hasina joins list of 9 world leaders who faced death sentences
New Delhi: The sentencing of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death on November 17 has drawn global attention to the volatile nature of political power. While the situation in Dhaka remains fluid, Hasina is not the first head of state to face the ultimate penalty following a shift in regime.
Throughout modern history, coups, revolutions, and military interventions have frequently resulted in former leaders being tried and condemned. Following the recent developments in Bangladesh, here is a look at nine prominent heads of state who were sentenced to death, ranging from those who were executed to those whose sentences were later commuted.
1. Sheikh Hasina (Bangladesh)
Prime Minister: 1996–2001; 2009–2024
The most recent addition to this list, Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death on November 17, 2025, following her ouster amid significant political turmoil. The charges were brought by the new regime, though the proceedings have sparked international debate regarding due process and judicial transparency.
2. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (Pakistan)
President: 1971–1973 | Prime Minister: 1973–1977
In one of South Asia's most controversial legal chapters, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was removed from power in a military coup led by General Zia-ul-Haq. Charged with a political murder, Bhutto was convicted and subsequently hanged on April 4, 1979. His execution remains a polarising event in Pakistan's political history.
3. Saddam Hussein (Iraq)
President: 1979–2003
Following the US invasion of Iraq and his capture in 2003, Saddam Hussein was tried by an Iraqi tribunal for crimes against humanity. He was found guilty and executed by hanging on December 30, 2006, marking a definitive end to his decades-long rule.
4. Benito Mussolini (Italy)
Prime Minister: 1922–1943
As World War II neared its conclusion, the Fascist leader lost the support of his country. Mussolini was captured by Italian partisans while attempting to flee and was executed by firing squad on April 28, 1945. His death symbolised the collapse of fascism in Europe.
5. Adnan Menderes (Turkey)
Prime Minister: 1950–1960
Menderes was toppled during the military coup of 1960. Accused of violating the constitution and misusing power, he was executed on September 17, 1961. His death is often cited as one of the darkest moments in Turkish democracy.
6. Celal Bayar (Turkey)
President: 1950–1960 | Prime Minister: 1937–1939
Like Menderes, President Celal Bayar was sentenced to death following the 1960 Turkish coup for alleged constitutional violations. However, unlike his Prime Minister, Bayar’s sentence was commuted. He was released in 1964 due to ill health and advanced age.
7. Hideki Tojo (Japan)
Prime Minister: 1941–1944
A general of the Imperial Japanese Army and Prime Minister during much of World War II, Tojo was charged with war crimes by the International Military Tribunal for the Far East after Japan's defeat. He was executed by hanging on December 23, 1948.
8. Imre Nagy (Hungary)
Prime Minister: 1953–1955; 1956
Nagy led Hungary during the 1956 uprising against Soviet control. After the revolt was crushed, he was arrested, tried in secret, and executed on June 16, 1958. Decades later, he was rehabilitated and is now remembered as a national hero in Hungary.
9. Pervez Musharraf (Pakistan)
President: 2001–2008
Former military ruler Pervez Musharraf faced a high treason case long after leaving office. In 2019, a special court sentenced him to death in absentia. However, the ruling was later overturned by a higher court. Musharraf passed away in 2023.
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Russian military hardware, spare parts for Indian military to be manufactured in India
New Delhi (PTI): Russia agreed to encourage joint manufacturing in India of military hardware and spare parts for maintenance of Russian-origin arms and defence equipment.
Ways to bolster overall bilateral defence cooperation figured prominently during summit talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.
It has been a long-standing grievance of armed forces that the supply of critical spares and equipment from Russia takes a long time, affecting the maintenance of military systems procured from that country.
"Both sides agreed to encourage joint manufacturing in India of spare parts, components, aggregates and other products for maintenance of Russian origin arms and defence equipment under Make-in-India programme through transfer of technology," a joint statement said.
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It said both sides also agreed to set up joint ventures for meeting the needs of the Indian armed forces as well as subsequent export to mutually friendly third countries.
The joint statement said the India-Russia defence partnership is being reoriented to take up joint co-development and co-production of advanced defence technology and systems.
In their meeting on Thursday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov resolved to expand bilateral defence cooperation.
In the meeting, the Indian side showed keen interest in procurement of additional batches of S-400 missile systems from Moscow to bolster its combat prowess.
In October 2018, India signed a USD 5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems, notwithstanding a warning by the US that going ahead with the contract may invite US sanctions under the provisions of Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
Three squadrons have already been delivered.
The S-400 systems played a crucial role during Operation Sindoor. India may also look at procuring the S-500 missile systems from Russia.
In the Modi-Putin talks, the two sides also agreed to continue jointly developing systems of bilateral trade settlements through the use of national currencies.
Additionally, the two sides agreed to continue their consultations on enabling the interoperability of the national payment systems, financial messaging systems, as well as central bank digital currency platforms.
Modi and Putin appreciated the ongoing intensification of the joint work on a free trade agreement on goods between India and the Eurasian Economic Union, covering sectors of mutual interest, the joint statement said.
They also directed both sides to intensify efforts in negotiations on a mutually beneficial agreement on the promotion and protection of investment, it said.
India and Russia also welcomed steps to ensure long-term supply of fertilisers to India and discussed the potential establishment of joint ventures in this area.
