Sheikh Hasina Faces Court Verdict Today as Nation Waits

The International Crimes Tribunal will pronounce verdict today Monday (17 November) against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a case filed over crimes against humanity committed during the July-August mass uprising.

A three-member judicial panel of Tribunal-1 led by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar will deliver the verdict. The other two members of the panel are Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Md Mohitul Haq Enam Chowdhury.

The tribunal on last Thursday (13 November) fixed the date for pronouncing the verdict. Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam informed journalists that the verdict in the case filed against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and three others will be broadcast live.

He said, “We had pledged that whoever commits crimes against humanity in Bangladesh, no matter where they are, will be brought to justice. Tomorrow the tribunal will pronounce the verdict as per its discretion. We have prayed for the highest punishment and hope the tribunal will deliver a proper and exemplary verdict.”

On the other hand, state-appointed lawyer for the accused Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Md Amir Hossain, said, “Even in the absence of my clients, I have presented the strongest arguments on their behalf. I hope the tribunal will acquit them. There was no obstacle or difficulty in the trial process and all necessary documents were supplied to us.”

After the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August 2024, the International Crimes Tribunal was reconstituted. The first case in the reconstituted tribunal over crimes against humanity committed during the July mass uprising was filed against Sheikh Hasina. Trial proceedings in the reconstituted tribunal began on 17 October last. On that day, the tribunal issued arrest warrant against Sheikh Hasina.

On 16 March this year, the prosecution applied to include former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun as an accused in the case, which was approved by the tribunal. The investigation agency submitted its report to the Chief Prosecutor’s Office on 12 May. The prosecution on 1 June formally filed charges against Sheikh Hasina and the two other accused.

Five charges were brought against Sheikh Hasina and the three others. The charges include delivering ‘provocative speech’ at a press conference at Ganabhaban on 14 July, ordering extermination of protesters using helicopters, drones and lethal weapons, killing of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayeed in Rangpur, killing of six protesters in Chan Khan Pool area of the capital and ordering burning of six persons in Ashulia. Based on these charges, framing of charges was done against Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former IGP Mamun on 10 July. On the same day, Tribunal-1 ordered start of trial on a total of five charges including incitement to kill 1,400 people during suppression of the movement, ‘superior command responsibility’ and ‘joint criminal enterprise’.

Allegations are there that hundreds of people were killed and countless injured during the July mass uprising with the help of loyal law enforcement agencies, armed cadres of Awami League’s youth wing Yuva League and student wing Chhatra League under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership. Though 5 August 2024, the day of fall of Awami League government, was a day of victory for the people, it is also considered a tragic day due to brutal attacks by police.

Sheikh Hasina fled to India on 5 August last year. Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal is also believed to be staying in India. The only accused in custody in the case, former IGP Mamun, on 10 July applied to admit guilt in crimes against humanity and become state witness. Later, the court approved him as state witness.

Testimony taking in the case ended on 23 October. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam prayed for death penalty of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal for crimes against humanity. On the other hand, state-appointed lawyer Md Amir Hossain prayed for acquittal of the two accused. Acquittal was also prayed for state witness Mamun. An important precedent in Bangladesh’s judicial process is expected to be set through pronouncement of verdict tomorrow.