The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has condemned former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to capital punishment for crimes against humanity perpetrated during the July popular revolt. Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, the former Inspector General of Police, who subsequently became a state witness, has been sentenced to five years in prison.
This ruling signifies the inaugural case resolved by the reformed Tribunal following the dissolution of the Awami League administration on August 5, 2024. This marks the inaugural instance in the Tribunal’s history where an accused has turned approver, offering a confession and testimony against co-defendants.
Five Charges Established Against the Defendant
The Tribunal adjudicated the three defendants culpable on all five counts, which encompass:
- Issuing provocation and inflammatory public declarations,
- Commanding the deployment of lethal armaments, helicopters, and drones to quell demonstrators,
- The assassination of Abu Sayed, a student at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur,
- Fatally shooting six demonstrators in Dhaka’s Chankharpul region,
- Incinerating six individuals in Ashulia.
Sheikh Hasina received the death penalty for two offences and life imprisonment for the other three.
State Witness Mamun Presented to Tribunal Under Stringent Security Measures
Before the verdict, former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun was escorted to ICT-1 under stringent security measures. He is the sole individual in detention, while Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan are presumed to be in India.
Initially, Sheikh Hasina was the only defendant in the case; but, after a prosecution petition, the Tribunal included Mamun — who subsequently became an approver — and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan.
Case Overview
The investigative agency presented its report on May 12, and the prosecution formally charged on June 1, characterizing Sheikh Hasina as the “mastermind, instigator, and superior commander” of the atrocities committed in July and August. Charges were formally established on July 10, and deliberations were completed on October 23.
The Tribunal has affirmed a total of five specific counts against the three accused.
Additional Cases Awaiting Resolution Against Sheikh Hasina
Three supplementary matters are currently pending before the Tribunal involving:
Purported enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions under the Awami League’s 15½-year administration,
Fatalities occurred during the Hefazat-e-Islam demonstration at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel.
