Verdict in Case Against Sheikh Hasina Scheduled for 17 November

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has fixed 17 November for the verdict in the high-profile case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others, accused of crimes against humanity during the July–August 2023 uprising. The tribunal, chaired by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumdar, set the date following months of extensive investigation, witness testimony, and legal proceedings.

This trial marks the first verdict against Sheikh Hasina. The other defendants are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun. Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan remain at large, while Abdullah Al Mamun, the only detained defendant, has cooperated with the prosecution as a state approver.

The charges against the defendants include inciting violence at a press conference at Ganobhaban on 14 July, directing the use of helicopters, drones, and firearms against protesters, and overseeing targeted killings, including the murder of a student in Rangpur and multiple deaths in Dhaka’s Chankharpul and Ashulia areas.

Following the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August 2024, the tribunal was reconstituted. Sheikh Hasina’s case became the first under the new tribunal structure. The first hearings of the reconstituted tribunal were held on 17 October 2024, when an arrest warrant was issued against Sheikh Hasina. Initially the sole defendant, Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun was added as a defendant on 16 March 2025 at the request of the prosecution.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, speaking after the verdict date was set, emphasised the tribunal’s commitment to justice: “We have always maintained that no matter how powerful the accused, those who commit crimes against humanity in Bangladesh will face justice. We trust that the court will exercise its discretion wisely. Through a fair verdict, this will bring closure to the crimes committed during that period, and we have submitted a request for the maximum penalty for the accused.”

State-appointed lawyer Amir Hossain, representing Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan, praised the tribunal for conducting the proceedings transparently. “I observed no interference during the trial, and the process was entirely open. All evidence and testimonies were examined thoroughly, and we are confident that our clients will be acquitted,” he said.

The trial has now concluded, with all witnesses heard and evidence examined, bringing the long judicial process to its final stage ahead of the 17 November verdict.