Sheikh Hasina Verdict Today, Live Broadcast on BTV

The verdict in the case against three accused, including the deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, for alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July Mass Uprising will be announced today. The verdict from the International Crimes Tribunal will be broadcast live via BTV.

On Monday (November 17), International Crimes Tribunal-1 will announce the verdict in this high-profile case. The Registrar's Office has stated that the Tribunal's proceedings will begin at 11:00 AM for this purpose.

In the interest of security surrounding the verdict, the road from Doyel Chattar towards Shikkha Bhaban, adjacent to the Tribunal, has already been closed. Furthermore, the Supreme Court has sent a letter to the Army Headquarters requesting the deployment of the military to enhance the security of the Tribunal during the announcement of the verdict.

The entire nation awaits the verdict in the crimes against humanity case involving Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Many countries around the world are looking towards Bangladesh, which is why the verdict will be broadcast live—to ensure this judicial process serves as an example for future generations. Additionally, the Ministry of Culture will install large screens at various important points in the capital, allowing Dhaka residents to easily watch the proceedings.

Previously, on Thursday (November 13), the three-member International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, set this date for the verdict. The other two members of the Tribunal are Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Md. Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

Formal Charges: The prosecution filed formal charges (Formal Charge) against these three accused, including Sheikh Hasina, with the Tribunal on June 1. A total of five charges were brought against the three accused in the formal complaint.

The Allegations: The five charges are:

• Sheikh Hasina's provocative speech at a press conference held at Ganabhaban on July 14 last year.
• Ordering the elimination of protestors using helicopters, drones, and lethal weapons.
• The shooting and killing of student Abu Sayeed at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur.
• The shooting and killing of six protesters in the Chankharpool area of the capital.
• The burning of six people in Ashulia.

Indictment: The Tribunal formally framed charges against the three accused on these five counts on July 10.

Accused Status: Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan are absconding. Former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun is the sole arrested accused in this case. On the day of the formal charge framing (July 10), former IGP Mamun confessed to his involvement in the crimes against humanity during the mass uprising and applied to become an 'approver' (State Witness).

Background: The International Crimes Tribunal was reconstituted after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024. The first case (Misc. Case) regarding crimes against humanity during the July Mass Uprising in the reconstituted Tribunal was filed against Sheikh Hasina.

The Tribunal's first judicial proceeding after reconstitution was held on October 17 last year, on which day an arrest warrant was issued against Sheikh Hasina in this case.

Initially, Sheikh Hasina was the only accused. On March 16 this year, the prosecution applied to include former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun as an accused alongside Sheikh Hasina in the case, which the Tribunal granted.

After multiple extensions, the investigation report of the case was submitted by the Tribunal's investigation agency to the Chief Prosecutor's office on May 12 this year.

Closing Arguments: Closing arguments in the case began on October 12 and concluded on October 23. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam sought the death penalty for Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan for crimes against humanity during the July Mass Uprising.

The state-appointed lawyer for the accused Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman, Md. Amir Hossain, requested their acquittal in his closing arguments. The lawyer for the state witness, former IGP Mamun, Zayed Bin Amjad, also requested his client's acquittal.