Chief Prosecutor Reveals Possible Duration of Verdict Announcement

Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam has told the BBC that the verdict announcement at the International Crimes Tribunal may take up to one hour. He also stated that the prosecution has sought the maximum punishment for the accused.

The International Crimes Tribunal has begun reading the verdict in the case concerning crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising, involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two other accused.

On Monday (17 November), shortly after 12:30 pm, the verdict reading commenced before the three-member judicial panel of Tribunal-1, led by its Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar.

The other members of the panel are Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmud and Justice Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury. Among the three accused in the case, Sheikh Hasina and Kamal remain absconding. Former IGP Mamun, who has been in prison for nearly a year, is a prosecution witness in the case.

Meanwhile, multiple layers of security have been reinforced around the Tribunal and the Supreme Court areas ahead of the verdict involving Sheikh Hasina. Alongside the police, RAB, APBn, and BGB, the army has also been deployed. Members of intelligence agencies are likewise on alert. For security reasons, the road from Doel Chattar towards Shikkha Bhaban has been closed to traffic since Sunday evening, and public movement has been restricted.

Khaborwala/TSN