Dhaka, Nov 17 (V7N) – The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has sentenced ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death in connection with crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising last year. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, who acted as a witness, was sentenced to five years in prison.

The three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder with members Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Md. Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, announced the verdict on Monday (November 17). The 453-page verdict is divided into six parts.

The court ordered the seizure of properties belonging to Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan and their distribution to the July martyrs. The tribunal concluded that crimes against humanity were proven against all three accused, with Mamun’s actions described as deserving the highest punishment. The escape of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan was cited as evidence of their culpability.

Prosecutor Gazi Monawar clarified that Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan cannot appeal the verdict while remaining absconding. According to the Tribunal Act, an appeal must be filed within 30 days, which requires the convicted to either surrender or be arrested by law enforcement.

The prosecution had filed a formal complaint against the three accused on June 1, bringing a total of five charges:

  1. Provocative speech by Sheikh Hasina at Ganabhaban on July 14, 2024.

  2. Ordering the use of helicopters, drones, and lethal weapons against protesters.

  3. Shooting and killing Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayeed in Rangpur.

  4. Shooting and killing six protesters in Chankharpul, Dhaka.

  5. Burning six people in Ashulia.

The tribunal framed these formal charges on July 10. Among the convicted, Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan remain absconding, while former IGP Mamun is the only arrested accused, who had confessed to his involvement in crimes against humanity on the day of formal indictment and applied to become a royal witness.

This verdict marks a significant development in the tribunal proceedings related to the July mass uprising and the alleged atrocities committed during that period.

END/SMA/AJ