Sheikh Hasina Verdict: Bangladesh’s Ousted PM Sentenced To Death In Students Crackdown Case | World News
Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Monday sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death after finding her guilty of crimes against humanity linked to July protests last year. The court also convicted two of its top officials, former Minister of Internal Affairs Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Although Mamun was granted a pardon for cooperating with investigators, the Court said he would still face a “light sentence” due to the seriousness of the crimes.
The 453-page verdict continues to be read and Hasina’s final sentence decision is awaited.
Hasina has repeatedly refused to comply with court directives to return to Bangladesh for trial. While Mamun is in custody, Asadüzzaman remains at large, pleaded guilty and became the first defendant to become a state witness since the court was established in 2010.
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Bangladesh Television (BTV) broadcast the proceedings live from the courtroom, where Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, delivered the verdict.
According to The Dhaka Tribune, the charge sheets span 8,747 pages, including references, seized materials and an extensive list of victims. Prosecutors filed five charges against the defendant, including failure to prevent the murder, which qualifies as a crime against humanity under Bangladeshi law. They are seeking the death penalty for those found guilty and have asked the Court to seize the assets of the three defendants and distribute them to the families of the victims.
Hasina has consistently denied all the allegations.
Tension in Dhaka Before the Decision
A heavy security lockdown has been imposed across Dhaka as the city prepares for the outcome of the landmark case. On Sunday evening, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali issued a ‘shoot on sight order’ targeting anyone involved in arson, explosive attacks or attempts to harm civilians or police personnel.
The capital has witnessed a rise in cocktail explosions and arson incidents coinciding with the two-day strike called by the Awami League for November 16-17. Unrest intensified despite the party being banned from political activities.
The Daily Star reported that at least 21 Awami League leaders and activists were detained during special operations in Narayanganj in the last 36 hours.
The court’s decision comes months before national elections expected to be held in early February, amid widespread political uncertainty and concerns that the ruling could further escalate tensions across the country.
(With inputs from IANS)
