The verdict in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others, accused of committing crimes against humanity during the July–August uprising, is scheduled for 17 November. The International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumdar, announced the date yesterday.
This will be the first verdict against Sheikh Hasina. The other two defendants are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun. Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan remain fugitives, while Abdullah Al Mamun, the only apprehended defendant, has given testimony as a state approver.
The charges include inciting violence during a press conference at Ganobhaban on 14 July last year, directing the use of helicopters, drones, and lethal weapons against protesters, and involvement in several killings, including the shooting of a student in Rangpur and multiple murders in Dhaka’s Chankharpul and Ashulia areas.
Following the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August 2024, the tribunal was reconstituted. Sheikh Hasina’s case became the first under the reconstituted body. Arrest warrants for Sheikh Hasina were issued on 17 October 2024, and Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun was later added as a defendant on 16 March this year.
Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam said, “We have pledged that no matter how powerful anyone is, those responsible for crimes against humanity in Bangladesh will face justice. We hope the court will exercise discretion and issue a fair verdict. We have requested the maximum penalty for these crimes.”
State-appointed lawyer Amir Hossain, representing Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan, stated that he observed no irregularities in the trial process and expressed confidence that his clients would be acquitted.