The International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death in a case of crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. In addition, former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who pleaded guilty and testified against the former Prime Minister and Home Minister in the tribunal as a public witness, has been sentenced to 5 years in prison.
The three-member International Crimes Tribunal-1, headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder, announced the verdict on Monday (November 17).
In its verdict, the tribunal said that the guilt of three accused, including Sheikh Hasina, has been proven. Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death on two charges. Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has been sentenced to death on one charge. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun has been sentenced to five years in prison for being an approver. And it is final Sheikh Hasina and Kamal sentenced to death, Mamun sentenced to 5 years in prison.
In addition to lawyers, family members of some of those killed in July and August were present in the courtroom when the verdict was announced.
The International Crimes Tribunal was reconstituted after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024. The reconstituted tribunal first filed a case against Sheikh Hasina for crimes against humanity during the July uprising.
The trial of the reconstituted tribunal began on October 17 last year. On the same day, the tribunal issued an arrest warrant against Sheikh Hasina in the case.
Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun are also accused in the case along with Sheikh Hasina. Among them, Mamun has confessed to the crime and has given his statement as a witness.
The prosecution brought five charges of crimes against humanity against the three accused. These include incitement, use of deadly weapons, killing of Abu Sayeed, killing in Chankharpul and burning of bodies in Ashulia.
Out of 84 witnesses, 54 testified in the case. The testimony began on August 3 of this year. As the first witness, Khokon Chandra Barman portrayed the horrors of July-August in the tribunal. On October 8, the stage of taking testimony ended with the interrogation of the main investigation officer, Md. Alamgir.
Then, on October 23, after the arguments of the prosecution and state defense lawyers, the date for the verdict was set for November 13. On that day, the date for the verdict was set for November 17.
Meanwhile, law enforcement officials are on high alert to prevent Awami League leaders and activists from carrying out sabotage activities in the wake of Sheikh Hasina’s ruling.
Source: Click here