The Australian National University remains inert on stripping the honorary degree it awarded a former leader convicted of crimes against humanity as internal processes drag on.
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Former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina was found guilty in absentia of crimes against humanity for ordering the killing of student protesters in 2024.
She fled the country and remains in exile in India following the toppling of her government in mid-2024.
She was sentenced to death on November 17, 2025, after being found guilty of overseeing the massacre of 1400 protesters during the uprisings that ended her rule.
The judge said she committed crimes against humanity by ordering the use of drones, helicopters and lethal weapons against civilians.
Human Rights Watch raised concerns about a fair trial during the prosecution of the former leader in absentia.
It said while people responsible for the brutal crackdown needed to be held to account, the prosecution did not meet international fair trial standards.
On Monday, Ms Hasina was also found guilty of corruption and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Despite this and the 18 months it has taken, she maintains an honorary ANU law degree bestowed upon her in 1999.
The university's honorary committee of council will meet again in late February to further consider the matter.
At that stage, it is set to hear advice on the political environment in Bangladesh and the trial and sentencing of Ms Hasina, an ANU spokesperson told AAP.
"Following a comprehensive review, the committee will deliberate on whether to make a recommendation to the ANU Council in line with the honorary degrees procedure (revocation of award and title)."
The honorary committee is one of a number that provide advice to the university's council, academic board and vice chancellor.
The committee includes Chancellor Julie Bishop, Pro-Chancellor Alison Kitchen and interim vice-chancellor Rebekah Brown.
The ANU said in April 2025 the matter had been put to the honorary committee for consideration but noted revocation of such a degree had not occurred in recent history and no procedural precedent existed.
The university would therefore undertake to develop a more detailed procedure before proceeding, a spokesperson said at the time.
In September, the university said a more detailed revocation procedure had been endorsed by the honorary committee and would be put before the council in October.
In November, it said further information was being sought.
Arrest warrants for Ms Hasina and top officials were issued in early 2025 for crimes against humanity, and she was formally charged in June 2025 for being the mastermind of the mass killings.
She was then indicted by the International Crimes Tribunal in July on five counts of crimes against humanity.
The honorary degree procedure stipulates ANU can revoke an award when a person engages in behaviour regarded as inconsistent with its code of conduct or undertakes activities considered "significantly detrimental" to the university's interests.
It also implores people to act in accordance with state, territory and commonwealth law.
ANU hasn't confirmed whether this covers international crimes against humanity and corruption.
Australian Associated Press
