Full death sentence verdict for Hasina, Kamal published

The full verdict sentencing ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death in the case concerning crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising has been published. The complete verdict was released on Wednesday, November 26. As a result, Sheikh Hasina and Kamal must file appeals within the next 30 days.

On November 17, the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced the former prime minister and the former home minister to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising.

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who testified as a prosecution witness, was sentenced to five years in prison. The verdict also ordered the confiscation of all properties belonging to Sheikh Hasina and Kamal within the country. The judgement was delivered by a three-member bench of International Crimes Tribunal-1 headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar.

Sheikh Hasina was tried on charges of murder, conspiracy, incitement and superior command responsibility. Specifically, the five charges were: inciting statements at a Ganobhaban press conference; ordering the use of helicopters and lethal weapons; the killing of student Abu Sayeed in Rangpur; a murder in Chankharpul; and the murder and burning of bodies in Ashulia.

Meanwhile, the United Nations, Human Rights Watch and other international human rights organisations have expressed concern over the trial and death sentences handed down in the absence of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. They expressed their concerns through separate statements.

Human Rights Watch said that sentencing two individuals to death in absentia, without allowing them representation by lawyers of their choice, raised serious human rights concerns.

The UN Human Rights Office also opposed the death sentences, noting that it has long advocated for the abolition of such punishment. It further stressed the importance of ensuring justice in Bangladesh.