Australian university reviewing Sheikh Hasina’s honorary degree amid genocide allegations

The Australian National University (ANU) is reviewing an honorary law degree awarded to former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 1999, amid allegations of crimes against humanity linked to her tenure in office.

According to a report by the Australian Associated Press (AAP), the university’s honorary committee has initiated a broader procedural review before taking any decision on revoking the doctorate.

“Revocation of such a degree has not occurred in the university’s recent history and no procedural precedent exists,” an ANU spokesperson told AAP. “The university is undertaking to develop a more detailed revocation procedure before deciding on any specific matter.”

The move follows renewed scrutiny after Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission issued an arrest warrant against Hasina, accusing her of abuse of political power. In a separate development, the International Criminal Tribunal of Bangladesh issued a warrant in October 2024, charging her with crimes against humanity.

Hasina reportedly fled to India earlier that year following her removal from office during mass protests led by students. According to the interim health minister of Bangladesh, more than 1,000 people were killed during a military crackdown on the demonstrations.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) accused security forces under Hasina’s command of using deadly force against unarmed protesters. The rights watchdog said soldiers were ordered to shoot on sight during curfews and called for international pressure to halt such actions.

“Influential governments must press Sheikh Hasina to stop her forces from brutalising students and other protesters,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, HRW’s Deputy Asia Director, at the time.

Bangladesh police have also sought an Interpol Red Notice against Hasina, local media reported. A Red Notice is an international alert requesting the provisional arrest of a wanted individual pending extradition or legal proceedings.

Hasina is believed to be residing in India.