Verdict in Sheikh Hasina case today

The verdict in the case filed against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and two others over genocide and various crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising will be delivered today. The verdict will be pronounced by a three-member panel of International Crimes Tribunal-1 led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar.

This marks the first verdict in any case over the crimes committed during the July uprising. The other two accused in the case are former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. The verdict will be read out at 11am.

The verdict will be broadcast live on television. It will also be shown on big screens in different areas of the capital. Subject to the tribunal’s permission, Bangladesh Television and other local and foreign media outlets will be allowed to broadcast it live.

The other two members of the tribunal are Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmood and Judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury. On August 5 last year, Sheikh Hasina fled to India amid the mass movement. Former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal is also believed to be in India. The trial proceeded in their absence as they were shown fugitives. In this case, the other accused, former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, has confessed and given testimony as an accomplice witness.

On October 23, after hearings and closing arguments from both sides, the trial proceedings concluded. On that day, the tribunal fixed November 13 for announcing the verdict.

This year, on July 10, the formal trial began with the framing of charges, and the closing arguments concluded on October 23. From the framing of charges on July 1 last year to August 5, the trial ended within three months and 13 days.

Security around the old High Court building housing the International Crimes Tribunal has been tightened since yesterday ahead of the verdict. Members of the army, RAB, police, APBN and BGB have taken positions in the High Court shrine-adjacent tribunal area since yesterday.

Checkposts have been set up at the entry points of Dhaka for searches. Several thousand police personnel have been deployed at key points across the capital. BGB and army members are also on alert across the city.