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In a historic verdict, a Bangladesh ICT tribunal has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former ministers to death in a high-profile case over crimes against humanity related to the July 2024 protests. The tribunal also sentenced former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death, while ex-IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun was granted a pardon after full disclosure, acknowledging his cooperation.
The three accused faced charges of ordering, abetment, and failure to control violence that led to over 1,400 deaths and injuries during the mass uprising demanding reforms. The verdict, delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mazumder, declared Sheikh Hasina and Kamal guilty on multiple counts, including incitement and command responsibility, and ordered them to walk into the gallows. Mamun, who testified as a state witness, received a pardon.
The 453-page verdict found Sheikh Hasina guilty of crimes against humanity for inciting and escalating violence, including ordering police to shoot protesters during the July-August uprising and authorising the use of helicopters and lethal weapons. The tribunal cited her inflammatory statements and specific instructions to shoot protesters, including a phone conversation and comments about government jobs for 'Rajakars’ grandchildren' versus 'Freedom Fighters’ grandchildren'.
The tribunal also pointed out that Sheikh Hasina failed to take any punitive action against perpetrators who attacked protesting students, thus participating in crimes against humanity. Both she and Kamal, who fled to India during the protests, remain at large.
Security measures around the tribunal were intensified ahead of the verdict, with a multi-layered cordon to maintain order. The proceedings were broadcast live across the country, with the tribunal’s Facebook page streaming the event. This case marks the first criminal trial related to the July Uprising, which saw widespread violence and loss of life.
Throughout the trial, the prosecution detailed extensive evidence, including testimonies from 54 witnesses, and revisited human rights violations during Hasina’s tenure from 2009 up to the protests. The charges, spanning nearly 8,747 pages, included incitement, provocation, and command responsibility for the killing and maiming of thousands of protesters.
Following a thorough hearing and final arguments, the court announced its verdict earlier today, with Sheikh Hasina and Kamal expected to face justice soon. The verdict underscores the country’s efforts to hold accountable those responsible for the tragic events of July 2024 and reaffirms Bangladesh’s commitment to justice for victims of political violence.
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