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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Mangaluru: Teacher booked for allegedly beating student in school
Vittla (Dakshina Kannada): A case has been registered at the Vittla Police Station against a school teacher on charges of seriously assaulting a student with a cane at an English-medium school in Idkidu village here near Vittla in Dakshina Kannada district.
According to the complaint, the student, who attends the school regularly, had gone to school as usual. Around 2 pm, the child’s parents received a call from the school office stating that their child had allegedly disturbed other students. The school informed them that when the teacher scolded the student over the issue, the child became frightened and urinated, and the parents were asked to come and take the child home.
The parents reportedly told the school staff that no one was at home at the time and requested that the child be sent home in an autorickshaw.
After returning home, the student told the parents that a teacher identified as Istikaar had beaten him severely on the hand with a cane. The child also said that he urinated out of fear while the assault was taking place.
When the parents contacted the teacher over the phone to question him about the incident, he allegedly responded in a dismissive manner.
Following this, the parents lodged complaints with the Vittla Police Station and the Child Development Project Office, seeking justice and strict action against the teacher for allegedly assaulting the child without any valid reason.
Police have registered a case against the teacher and have taken up further investigation.
