Dhaka: The International Crimes Tribunal-1 is set to deliver its long-awaited verdict today (Monday) in the crimes against humanity case against deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two other accused, linked to the atrocities committed during the July Uprising. Bangladesh Television (BTV) is scheduled to air the verdict live.
The three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, fixed the date after completing all proceedings in the case. The other members of the bench are Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmud and Justice Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.
Alongside Sheikh Hasina, the accused include former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Among them, former IGP Mamun has already provided a confessional statement as an approver (state witness).
Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, the tribunal was reconstituted, with the case against Sheikh Hasina being the first brought before the new panel.
The tribunal initiated proceedings on October 17 last year by issuing an arrest warrant against her. Initially named as the sole accused, the tribunal later added former IGP Mamun on March 16 this year, based on a prosecution petition.
After several extensions, the investigation agency submitted its conclusive report on May 12. The prosecution formally brought charges against Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan, and Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun on June 1, comprising five allegations.
According to the formal charges, Sheikh Hasina delivered an inflammatory speech on July 14 last year; ordered the use of helicopters, drones, and lethal force against protesters; and bore responsibility for the killing of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayeed in Rangpur, the fatal shootings of six demonstrators in Dhaka’s Chankharpool area, and the burning deaths of six others in Ashulia.
The tribunal framed the charges on July 10. Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan remain fugitives, while Mamun is the only accused in custody.
On the day charges were framed, Mamun admitted his involvement in the July Uprising incidents and sought to testify as a state witness.
Final arguments began on October 12 and concluded on October 23. Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam demanded the death penalty for Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan.
On the other hand, state-appointed lawyer Md Amir Hossain, representing the absconding accused, argued for their acquittal, while Mamun’s counsel, Zayed Bin Amjad, also sought his client's release.
At the end of the hearings on October 23, the tribunal announced that the verdict date would be declared on November 13. Accordingly, the court set today, November 17, for pronouncing the landmark verdict.
