Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has strongly denied committing crimes against humanity related to the deadly crackdown on the July Mass Uprising that led to her removal from power. Her denial comes just days before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka is scheduled to deliver its verdict on Monday, 17 November, 2025.
Hasina, who fled to India on August 5, 2024, "categorically" denied being the main architect behind the hundreds of killings during the student-led anti-government protests. She insisted, "I never issued any order to fire on unarmed civilians," though she admitted the situation "got out of control."
She labeled her trial in absentia a "farce" and a "kangaroo court" orchestrated by her political opponents, claiming it was destined for a "pre-ordained guilty verdict."
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Hasina if she is found guilty. A leaked audio clip, verified by BBC Eye, was played in court, suggesting Hasina had authorized the use of "lethal weapons" in July 2024.
Hasina was indicted along with former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal (for whom prosecutors also seek the death penalty) and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun (who pleaded guilty and turned state's witness).
Hasina also denied knowledge of secret jails discovered after her ousting and denied involvement in extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances during her 15-year rule, suggesting proper impartial examination of any abuse evidence by officials.
The Awami League party is already banned from participating in the upcoming general elections scheduled for February, and Hasina and other senior officials face separate corruption charges.
Security has been significantly beefed up around the tribunal in Dhaka ahead of Monday's high-stakes verdict, which marks a significant moment for the country. UN investigators have previously stated that up to 1,400 people may have been killed in the systematic violence used by her government. Her legal team has filed an urgent appeal to the UN, citing fair trial and due process concerns at the ICT.
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