Tribunal to announce order on charges against Hasina today

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 is scheduled to deliver its verdict today, Thursday on the formal framing of charges against Sheikh Hasina and two others accused of crimes against humanity during the July 2024 uprising.

The three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mazumder, includes Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Md. Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Police Inspector General Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun face accusations in the case. Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan remain absconding, with state-appointed lawyer Md. Amir Hossain representing them.

At the last hearing, the defense requested dismissal of charges, arguing that the tribunal only tries crimes from 1971, and the July-August incidents do not qualify as crimes against humanity. The defense claimed Sheikh Hasina was abroad during the killing of Abu Saeed and later supported his family financially. They also rejected allegations linking Sheikh Hasina to genocide.

The tribunal had previously set today’s date for the order following the prosecution’s conclusion of its arguments in favor of framing charges.