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Published : 17 Nov 2025, 11:53 AM
The International Crimes Tribunal is delivering its verdict in the case over crimes against humanity charges against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others.
The three-member Tribunal-1, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, began reading out the verdict on Monday -- a ruling that has gripped national attention amid heightened political tension.
The tribunal’s two other members, Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, entered the courtroom at around 9:55am, with proceedings beginning at noon.
The verdict is set to be broadcast live.
Former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, the only suspect in custody, was brought to the tribunal and placed in the court’s lock-up at 9am. He has pleaded guilty and turned state witness in the case.
Hasina and the other suspect in the case -- her home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal -- are absconding.
On Jul 10, the tribunal indicted Hasina, Asaduzzman, and Mamun on five charges of inciting, instigating and ordering the killing of 1,400 people to suppress the July Uprising, “superior command responsibility” and “joint criminal enterprise”.
Hasina was ousted from power on Aug 5 last year and fled to India in the face of a student-led mass uprising. It is believed that Asaduzzaman is also in India. The trial has proceeded in absentia after showing the two as fugitives.
ICT Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam told reporters on Thursday that the prosecution had sought the death penalty for Hasina and Asaduzzaman, adding: “We have petitioned the court for the maximum punishment. The court will exercise its discretion and we pray that the accused be given the maximum punishment for this crime.”
Family members of many of those killed in the July Uprising also appeared before the tribunal ahead of the verdict. They are also seeking the maximum punishment for the accused in the case, including Hasina.
Amir Hossain, the state-appointed lawyer for Sheikh Hasina and Kamal, has raised questions about the trial.
On Monday morning, he faced journalists outside the tribunal and expressed his hope for an acquittal.
Amir also claimed to reporters that he handled the case “fearlessly and with everyone's cooperation”.
Security has been beefed up in the court premises and the surrounding area since morning ahead of the verdict.
Meanwhile, Hasina's party, the Awami League announced a “complete shutdown” programme again for Sunday and Monday in response to the verdict. As part of the programme, sporadic crude bomb blasts and the torching of vehicles have been reported in parts of the country, including Dhaka.
