Today, the International Crimes Tribunal-1 will announce the verdict date in the case against Sheikh Hasina and two others for crimes against humanity committed during the student uprising. The other defendants are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-Inspector General of Police Abdullah Al Mamun. This is the first time a sitting Bangladeshi Prime Minister will face a verdict in this tribunal.
The prosecution has requested the maximum punishment for Hasina and Kamal. Mamun’s sentence, however, will be decided entirely by the tribunal, as he has admitted to the facts of the case as an “approver.” He has also applied for acquittal through his privately appointed lawyer, Zayed Bin Amjad.
After the Awami League government fell on 5 August last year during the student protests, the International Crimes Tribunal was reformed. Sheikh Hasina became the first defendant in the reformed tribunal for crimes against humanity during the uprising. This case is also the first in which a defendant has applied to become an approver and admit the truth of the events. Former police chief Abdullah Al Mamun’s application was approved by the tribunal.
For the first time in Bangladesh, the trial was broadcast live on television. Citizens could watch the proceedings on BTV and other media outlets from home on TV or mobile devices.
Prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim said the formal charges include five specific accusations, including directing and planning shootings and killings of unarmed students during the anti-discrimination student movement. The tribunal will announce the verdict date on Thursday. The prosecution believes it has proven the involvement of Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and Abdullah Al Mamun in crimes against humanity.
Since Mamun is an approver, the tribunal has full authority to decide his sentence. They may acquit him entirely, give a reduced sentence, or take other measures at their discretion.