Staff Reporter :
The International Crimes Tribunal–1 has fixed November 17 for delivering its verdict in the landmark case filed against deposed autocrat Sheikh Hasina and two others over crimes against humanity committed during the July 2024 mass uprising.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder set the date on Thursday, marking a critical juncture in the first major trial held since the tribunal was reconstituted following the fall of the Awami League government.
The other members of the panel are Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Justice Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.
Alongside Hasina, the two other accused in the case are former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan and ex-inspector general of police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.
Of them, Mamun, the only arrested accused, has turned approver, giving a detailed statement implicating his former superiors.
Hasina and Asaduzzaman are being tried in absentia.
Both fled following the collapse of Hasina’s government amid a popular uprising on 5 August 2024. Hasina, now 78, is believed to be staying in India.
The tribunal was reorganized soon after her ouster, and the case against her became the first to be taken up by the new panel.
The tribunal issued an arrest warrant against Hasina on 17 October 2024, the same day the reconstituted body held its first hearing.
Initially, Hasina was the lone accused. However, on 16 March 2025, the prosecution moved to include former IGP Mamun as a co-accused.
The tribunal accepted the motion, and the investigation agency submitted its report on 12 May after several extensions.
Formal charges were submitted on 1 June against Hasina, Asaduzzaman, and Mamun, accusing them of five counts of crimes against humanity.
These include Hasina’s alleged incitement during a press conference at Gonobhaban on 14 July 2024, issuing shoot-to-kill and aerial attack orders against demonstrators, the killing of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayeed in Rangpur, the fatal shooting of six protesters at Chankharpool in Dhaka, and the burning of six people in Ashulia.
On 10 July, the tribunal formally indicted the three accused, framing the five charges under international criminal law.
On that day, Mamun admitted to his involvement and sought to become a state witness.
The tribunal began hearing closing arguments on 12 October and concluded them on 23 October.
Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam sought the death penalty for Hasina and Asaduzzaman, arguing that the prosecution had proved all charges beyond reasonable doubt.
“These crimes were systematic, deliberate, and ordered from the highest level of authority,” he told the court.
Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman also urged the tribunal to impose the highest punishment, saying, “The evidence and witness testimonies clearly establish the chain of command and direct responsibility.”
Defence counsel Md Amir Hossain, appointed by the state to represent Hasina and Asaduzzaman in absentia, pleaded for acquittal, arguing that the prosecution had failed to prove specific intent or direct involvement.
Mamun’s lawyer, Zayed Bin Amjad, also sought his client’s release on grounds of cooperation and remorse.
After hearing both sides, the tribunal on 23 October announced that the verdict date would be declared on 13 November.
Accordingly, on Thursday it fixed 17 November for the pronouncement of judgment.
The prosecution has submitted over 100 documentary pieces of evidence and produced 23 witnesses during the trial, including survivors, journalists, and former officials.
According to the charge sheet, the crimes took place between July 12 and 15, 2024, during a brutal crackdown on anti-government demonstrators in Dhaka and other cities.
The tribunal said the charges encompass murder, abduction, and torture as crimes against humanity under international law.
Legal observers say the upcoming verdict will be a defining moment for Bangladesh’s transitional justice process after the July Revolution, testing whether the newly reformed tribunal can deliver justice while maintaining due process.
Security officials confirmed that police have been placed on high alert ahead of the verdict to prevent any unrest or political mobilisation surrounding the trial.
