The International Crimes Tribunal has set November 17 (Monday) as the date to deliver the verdict in the war crimes case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun over crimes against humanity committed during the July-August movement.
The date was fixed on Thursday (November 13) at 12:09 p.m. by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, chairman of Tribunal-1, leading a three-member bench that also includes Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmood and Justice Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.
Initially, Sheikh Hasina was the sole accused in the case. Later, on March 16 of this year, the tribunal included former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun as a co-accused following a prosecution request. Mamun later became a state witness (approver) and gave his testimony.
Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, the International Crimes Tribunal was reconstituted. The first case filed before the reconstituted tribunal concerned alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising, with Sheikh Hasina as the main accused. The tribunal began proceedings on October 17, when an arrest warrant was also issued against her.
After several extensions, the investigation agency submitted its report on May 12. On June 1, the prosecution filed five formal charges against Sheikh Hasina and the two other accused. These charges include:
1️⃣ Delivering an inciting speech during a press conference at Ganabhaban on July 14,
2️⃣ Ordering the use of helicopters, drones, and lethal weapons against protesters,
3️⃣ Shooting and killing Abu Sayeed, a student of Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur,
4️⃣ Killing six protesters in Dhaka’s Chankharpul area,
5️⃣ Burning six people alive in Ashulia.
On July 10, the tribunal formally framed these charges. Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan remain fugitives, while former IGP Mamun is in custody.
The closing arguments began on October 12 and concluded on October 23. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam demanded the death penalty for Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan, while state-appointed lawyer Md. Amir Hossain sought their acquittal. Defense counsel Zayed Bin Amzad also pleaded for acquittal on behalf of state witness Mamun.
Regarding the attempts to create unrest centering the upcoming verdict, Prosecutor Mizanul Islam said law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to deal with any situation. He stated, “The trial is being conducted in a completely transparent and proper manner. The allegations of bias are merely part of propaganda against the government.”
