by Our Correspondent in Dhaka
Update 2
The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) in Dhaka has sentenced former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death on two charges of crimes against humanity linked to the July 2024 uprising. The historic and highly anticipated verdict was delivered on Monday in a packed courtroom and broadcast live on state television.
The tribunal began reading the 453-page judgment at around 12:30 pm. The six-part verdict found the guilt of three accused — Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun — to be proven beyond reasonable doubt. Kamal was also sentenced to death on one count, while Mamun had earlier testified as a state witness.
Throughout the session, Chief Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder read detailed arguments for and against imposing the maximum penalty. The court reviewed Hasina’s public statements, alleged directives, and a series of video and audio recordings that prosecutors said illustrated her role in authorizing the use of lethal force against protesters.
The verdict outlines the background of the quota reform movement that triggered the unrest, the attack on Dhaka University students, and the nationwide shooting of demonstrators. Evidence presented included videos documenting killings in Jatrabari, Rampura, Badda, Savar, Ashulia, and Rangpur, along with intercepted telephone conversations. Among them were calls between Hasina and former Information Minister Hasanul Haque Inu, played in court during the trial phase.
Prosecutors filed five charges against the three accused: issuing provocative statements; ordering security forces to use lethal weapons; the killing of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayeed in Rangpur; the shooting of six protesters in Dhaka’s Chankharpul area; and the burning of six people in Ashulia. The tribunal ruled that evidence — including eyewitness testimony, video documentation, and reports from international human rights bodies — proved these crimes to constitute crimes against humanity.
The tribunal noted that both Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal are currently absconding and believed to be residing in India. The prosecution has announced it will file a renewed petition with Interpol to seek their arrest and extradition. In addition, the state indicated it will pursue the confiscation of property owned by the convicted to provide compensation for victims.
Today’s ruling marks the first time the ICT has delivered a verdict on crimes against humanity committed in contemporary political unrest rather than historical conflict. The decision has already triggered intense national debate and is expected to have far-reaching political and diplomatic implications for Bangladesh.
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Security has been significantly heightened in and around the International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka as the verdict is set to be delivered in the first case concerning crimes against humanity during the July Mass Uprising. On Monday morning, armed forces, police, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and specialized units including the Armed Police Battalion (APBN) were extensively deployed across the tribunal compound and surrounding areas. Armoured military vehicles were also stationed near the premises, and public movement in the Suhrawardy Udyan area has been restricted. Law enforcement personnel are posted at every gate of the tribunal.
The case involves ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan, and ex-inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Among the three, Hasina and Asaduzzaman are absconding and reportedly residing in India. Al-Mamun is the only arrested accused and has confessed to his involvement, testifying as an “approver” or state witness before the tribunal.
During closing arguments, the prosecution sought the maximum penalty—death—for Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan, and requested that their assets be confiscated and transferred to the families of those killed during the July uprising and to injured participants. The prosecution also emphasized that Al-Mamun, as an approver, had revealed the full truth of the events and urged the tribunal to issue an appropriate order regarding him.
Conversely, state-appointed defense counsel representing Hasina and Asaduzzaman argued for their acquittal. The tribunal’s ruling today will mark the first disposal of a case relating to murders and other crimes against humanity committed during the July Mass Uprising, carrying significant legal and political implications for Bangladesh.
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Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) is set to deliver its verdict today in a landmark case against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and two co-accused over crimes against humanity committed during the July Mass Uprising. The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mazumder, will be joined by Justices Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury in announcing the ruling. Proceedings are expected to be broadcast live on Bangladesh Television (BTV), with private channels allowed to relay the broadcast.
The case marks the first disposal by the ICT concerning the state’s crackdown during the mass uprising. Five charges have been brought against the accused: delivering inciting speeches; ordering the use of lethal weapons against protesters; the shooting and killing of Abu Sayed, a student of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur; the shooting and killing of six protesters in Dhaka’s Chankharpul area; and the burning to death of six people in Ashulia. Former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan and ex-IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun are the other two accused, with Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman currently absconding in India.
Chief prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam and ICT prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim have stated that the prosecution proved all five charges beyond reasonable doubt. The tribunal will deliver its verdict following comprehensive arguments: the defence presented its case over three days, while the prosecution argued for five days, providing documentary evidence, audio recordings, and witness testimonies, including 54 prosecution witnesses. Former IGP Al-Mamun pleaded guilty earlier in the trial and became an approver.
Authorities had previously issued notices through national dailies asking Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman to surrender by June 24, 2025. In their absence, the trial has proceeded in absentia under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act. Bangladesh Police’s National Central Bureau has sought Interpol’s assistance in issuing a red notice against Hasina, with a conviction warrant to follow if she is sentenced.
Prosecutors have expressed hope that the tribunal will set a precedent by issuing exemplary punishment. “Whoever commits crimes in Bangladesh, no matter how powerful, if they commit crimes against humanity, they will be brought to justice through due process,” Tajul said, emphasizing the importance of the verdict for Bangladesh’s future. The court’s decision today is expected to have profound political and legal implications for the country.
