Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal will deliver its verdict on November 17 in the high-profile case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is being tried in absentia on charges of crimes against humanity.
The three-judge tribunal set the verdict date after months of hearings into allegations that the former Prime Minister ordered a deadly crackdown during the student-led uprising that culminated in the fall of the Awami League government on August, 05, 2024. Hasina, 78, has remained in India since her ouster and has repeatedly ignored court orders to return and stand trial.
“We have completed a long journey and are now in its final phase. The court will pronounce the verdict on the 17th,” International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam said, adding that “justice will be served according to the law.” Islam had earlier urged the tribunal to award the death penalty to Hasina.
Also read: Sheikh Hasina gets six-month jail in contempt case
Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun were charged with ordering mass killings in an attempt to suppress the “July Uprising”. Hasina and Kamal were declared fugitives and tried in absentia, while Mamun appeared before the tribunal and later turned approver.
The trial began on June 01 and concluded on October 23 after 28 working days. A total of 54 witnesses testified, detailing violent crackdowns and alleged state-backed atrocities during the attempt to quell the nationwide student protests.
Dhaka witnessed an unprecedented security clampdown on Thursday after the Awami League issued a “Dhaka lockdown” call ahead of the verdict. Army personnel, Border Guard Bangladesh units and police in full riot gear were deployed across the capital, with a heavy contingent stationed around the tribunal complex in central Dhaka.
Authorities said the heightened security would continue in the lead-up to the judgement to ensure peace and prevent any unrest.
Follow us
