In a dramatic turn in Bangladesh, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) handed down a death sentence on former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday. The court found her guilty of crimes against humanity linked to protests in July last year.
The same verdict also convicted Hasina’s chief aides – former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police, Chowdhury Abdullah Al‑Mamun. Mamun, who has pleaded guilty, was granted a pardon but the court said he will receive a “lenient sentence” because of the seriousness of the case.
The full 453‑page judgment is being announced live on Bangladesh Television (BTV) from the ICT courtroom. The trial, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, is being broadcast as the three‑judge panel reads out the verdict.
Hasina has continually refused to return to Bangladesh to face the charges. Her fellow accused, Asaduzzaman, remains a fugitive, while Mamun is in custody. Notably, Mamun is the first person to become a state witness since the tribunal began in 2010, a move that may influence the sentencing outcome.
The ICT’s charge papers run to 8,747 pages and include lists of evidence, seized items, and victim testimonies. Prosecutors have accused the trio of five counts, including failure to stop murders. They seek the death penalty and have asked that the defendants’ assets be seized and given to victims’ families.
Hasina has denied all allegations. Her refusal to appear in court has led to increased political tension. In Dhaka, the police announced a “shoot‑at‑sight” order on Sunday to curb arson and cocktail‑explosion attacks that surged during the Awami League’s two‑day strike on November 16–17. The strike, which barred leaders and workers from political activity, coincided with a rise in violent incidents across the capital. Over the past 36 hours, security forces have detained at least 21 Awami League members in Narayanganj.
As the verdict’s final reading concludes, Bangladesh watches closely. The outcome could reshape the political landscape and the country’s ongoing battle with its past.
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