The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has commenced reading the verdict in a landmark case accusing ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun of committing crimes against humanity during the July uprising.
Bangladesh Television (BTV) is broadcasting the proceedings live from the tribunal’s courtroom. The three-member bench is led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, with Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmood and Judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury as members.
This case marks a historic moment in Bangladesh, as it is the first time the International Crimes Tribunal is delivering a verdict against a sitting head of government. Arguments in the case concluded on October 23, following closing statements from Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam and Attorney General Mohammad Asaduzzaman. Defence counsel Md Amir Hossain represented the accused, while prosecutors including Mizanul Islam, Gazi MH Tamim, Faruk Ahmed, Moinul Karim, and ABM Sultan Mahmud were also present.
The tribunal initially set November 13 for the verdict but later postponed it to November 17. Until October 22, the state defence presented arguments for Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both absconding, as well as for the present witness-accused, former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.
The prosecution has demanded the maximum punishment for all three accused, citing five charges of crimes against humanity supported by an extensive case file spanning 8,747 pages, including evidence, seized documents, and lists of martyrs. The defence has sought acquittal, challenging the credibility of several key witnesses, including Al-Mamun, Daily Amar Desh Editor Mahmudur Rahman, and National Citizen Party convener Nahid Islam.
Al-Mamun’s dramatic confession on July 10, in which he admitted responsibility for killings and violence during the July–August unrest, became a pivotal moment in the trial. Appearing before Tribunal-1, he stated: “The accusations of murder and genocide brought against us during the July–August movement are true. I plead guilty. I want to help the court unravel the full truth.”
The verdict, which is being closely watched across the nation, is expected to be among the most significant rulings in the tribunal’s recent history.
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