Tribunal to set verdict date in Sheikh Hasina–Kamal war crimes case today

The International Crimes Tribunal is set to fix the verdict date today (November 13) in the war crimes case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and one other accused over crimes committed during the July–August movement.

The three-member bench of the ICT-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder and joined by Justices Md Shofiul Alam Mahmood and Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, will set the date.

Closing arguments concluded on October 23, when Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman sought the maximum penalty for Hasina and Kamal. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam and State Defence Counsel Amir Hossain later presented rebuttals.

According to prosecution sources, the verdict may be delivered within a week, marking the first ruling related to the July massacre.

Co-accused former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun testified as a state witness. The defence has sought his acquittal, while the prosecution left his fate to the tribunal’s discretion.

Out of 84 witnesses, 54 testified during the proceedings held from August 3 to October 8. The accused face five charges—incitement, use of lethal weapons, the murder of Abu Sayed, the Chankharpul killings, and the burning of bodies in Ashulia.

The case dossier totals 8,747 pages, including evidence lists, witness testimonies, and documents submitted by the investigation agency, which filed its report to the Chief Prosecutor on May 12.

Tight security has been enforced around the tribunal area ahead of the announcement. Police, army, BGB, and intelligence personnel are on alert to prevent any possible unrest linked to the banned Awami League’s announced programmes.