Dhaka: The International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh (ICT-BD) on Monday, November 17, began delivering its verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a high-profile case concerning alleged crimes against humanity during last year’s student-led protests. Hasina has denied all charges leveled against her.
The tribunal stated that there was “sufficient evidence” implicating Hasina in actions deemed criminal against humanity during the nationwide student agitation that ultimately led to her government being toppled on August 5, 2024, according to News18 reports.
The three-member tribunal is also expected to pronounce judgment against Hasina’s former aides, ex-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who faced similar charges related to the crackdown.
Hearings concluded on October 23 after 28 working days, during which 54 witnesses testified about the state’s response to the student movement. The protests, widely referred to as the “July Uprising,” reportedly left an estimated 1,400 people dead between July 15 and August 15, according to a United Nations rights office report, following a sweeping security crackdown by Hasina’s administration.
On the day the uprising culminated in her removal from office, Hasina fled Bangladesh and has been residing in India ever since. She and Kamal have been tried in absentia, while Mamun initially faced trial in person before becoming an approver in the case.
Ahead of the tribunal’s verdict, security has been intensified across Dhaka. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali issued shoot-at-sight orders against anyone attempting arson, explosions, or attacks on police and civilians. Streets around the ICT-BD complex were largely deserted as army troops, Border Guard Bangladesh personnel, and riot police were deployed.
