Murder case against Sheikh Hasina: Verdict expected before August 5

Preparations are underway to submit the final report by March on war crimes cases filed against Sheikh Hasina and several members of her cabinet for the violence that occurred in July and August. The prosecution team of the International Crimes Tribunal, along with the investigation agency and ten special police teams, are working diligently to expedite the investigation and commence trials promptly. The goal is to deliver a verdict in at least one case by August 5. This information has been obtained from sources within the International Crimes Tribunal.

According to sources from the tribunal's prosecution and investigation agencies, approximately 2,100 cases were filed nationwide concerning the violence in July and August. Between August 6, 2024, and February 15, over 300 complaints have been submitted to the International Crimes Tribunal's investigation agency and prosecution, accusing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, several cabinet members, MPs, grassroots leaders and activists, military and civilian officials, and police officers of crimes against humanity. Arrest warrants have been issued against 110 individuals in 17 of these cases. The total number of accused stands at around 125,000, with the majority facing murder charges.

A 'special' list of accused individuals from the Awami League and its affiliated organizations has been compiled by the police and the tribunal's prosecution team. This centralized list includes details such as national identification numbers and mobile phone numbers of the accused, aiming to facilitate their arrest and prevent bail. The prosecution plans to oppose bail for these individuals.

Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Md. Tazul Islam, informed Views Bangladesh, "Several investigation reports on the genocide and crimes against humanity committed in July and August are nearly complete. The investigation agency will submit the final report on the murder case against Sheikh Hasina and several former ministers, MPs, officials, and police officers by March. Formal trial proceedings will commence thereafter. We, the prosecution, will strive for swift hearings to conclude at least one murder trial against Sheikh Hasina and other accused before August 5. We are working towards this goal and hope to achieve it with everyone's cooperation. The trial will be conducted promptly while maintaining international standards."

Regarding Sheikh Hasina's extradition, Md. Tazul Islam stated, "The tribunal has issued an arrest warrant. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent an official letter to India concerning this matter, but no response has been received yet. Since Sheikh Hasina is currently in India and not in our custody, it remains to be seen how India will respond. The situation may change after a verdict is reached."

He further emphasized, "It is our responsibility to ensure that no ruling party dares to commit such heinous crimes by impartially prosecuting those responsible for the crimes against humanity committed in July and August. We will diligently and efficiently fulfill our entrusted duties." Tazul Islam also mentioned that many of the accused have substantial financial resources, amassed through various means during the previous government's tenure. They are attempting to discredit the trial through domestic and international propaganda, but they will not succeed."

British lawyer Toby Cadman, co-founder of the London-based law firm 'Guernica 37' and special advisor to the Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, stated, "Given the complexity and time-consuming nature of the tribunal's cases, there is no room for haste in adhering to the procedures. However, observing the prosecution team's meticulous preparation and legal compliance, I am confident that the tasks can be accomplished correctly. As long as I am involved with the tribunal, I will work within the existing legal framework to ensure a fair, straightforward, and internationally recognized trial."

When asked about the possibility of completing the investigation report by March and delivering a verdict by August in the case against Sheikh Hasina, he responded, "The prosecution team and investigation agency are working expeditiously. However, the court will deliver the verdict; I cannot specify a date."

Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman told Views Bangladesh, "The investigation report on the crimes against humanity allegations against Sheikh Hasina and other Awami League leaders may be submitted in March, as the investigation agency has nearly completed its work. However, delivering a verdict before August 5 depends on the court. We will make every effort to announce the verdict in at least one case before that date."