The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is set to deliver its verdict tomorrow (Monday) in the case concerning alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July–August 2024 mass uprising. The verdict involving ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun will be broadcast live on Bangladesh Television (BTV).
On 13 November, the three-member ICT-1 bench, headed by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mojumder, scheduled the date for the pronouncement of the verdict. The two other members of the bench are Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmood and Justice Md. Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.
In this widely discussed case, the prosecution has brought five charges and sought the maximum penalty death for Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Their state-appointed defence counsel, however, has argued that the accused are innocent and has requested acquittal. Legal representatives for former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who testified as a state witness, have also sought his acquittal.
Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, along with prosecutors Mizanul Islam and Gazi S. H. Tamim, led the hearings for the prosecution. Prosecutors B. M. Sultan Mahmud, Shaikh Mahdi, Abdus Sattar Palowan, and others were also present. The defence for Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal was conducted by state appointed lawyer Md. Amir Hossain, while Zaed Bin Amjad represented state witness Abdullah Al-Mamun.
Witnesses in this landmark case include relatives of those killed during the mass uprising, including the father of Abu Saeed, the first martyr of the movement. Additional testimony came from key figures such as Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party and a leader of the July Movement, and Dr. Mahmudur Rahman, editor of Amar Desh newspaper. A total of 54 witnesses testified before the tribunal.
The tribunal formally framed charges on 10 July and ordered the commencement of trial. Former IGP Abdullah Al-Mamun later admitted involvement and agreed to testify as a state witness to help establish the facts of the case.
Multiple complaints were filed with the ICT
