ICT Verdict Against Hasina and Others to be Broadcast Live Tomorrow

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) has announced that the verdict in the crimes against humanity case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two co-accused will be broadcast live tomorrow (17 November). The judgment, set by the three-member Tribunal-1 led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mazumder, pertains to charges related to the suppression of the July Uprising.

The prosecution, which announced the arrangement today (16 November), confirmed the verdict will be shown live on Bangladesh Television and on large screens installed at several locations in Dhaka. It will also be live-streamed on the ICT's official Facebook page.

The three accused are Sheikh Hasina (Ousted Prime Minister), Asaduzzaman Khan (Former Home Minister), Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun (Former Inspector General of Police). Also Note Former IGP Al-Mamun has given a deposition as an approver in the case.

The Tribunal set 17 November for the pronouncement of the verdict on 13 November. ICT Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam expressed hope for a fair, precedent-setting verdict that ensures justice for anyone committing crimes against humanity in Bangladesh. He stated, "We prayed for the maximum punishment," and hopes the court grants the highest possible sentence.

Arguments concluded on 22 October. The defence counsel argued for three consecutive days. The prosecution argued for five days, presenting various documents, including audio recordings of phone conversations between Sheikh Hasina and other individuals, and relating evidence to the July Uprising crimes, which they described as systematic.

A total of 54 prosecution witnesses testified, including the father of a July martyr, the National Citizens' Party Convener, and a journalist. All were cross-examined by the defence.

The ICT published notices on 17 June asking Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to surrender by 24 June, as the prosecution informed the tribunal they were absconding in India.

Charges were formally framed against the trio on 10 July. The prosecution brought five charges of crimes against humanity and mass killings based on a probe report submitted on 12 May.