ICT to Deliver Verdict Today in July Uprising Case

Ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 is set to deliver its verdict today in a crimes against humanity case against three accused — including ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina — over alleged superior command responsibility for offences committed during the July Mass Uprising.

The three-member panel, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, fixed the date on 13 November. Proceedings are scheduled to begin at 11am, prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim confirmed.

Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, now an approver after pleading guilty, was brought to the tribunal premises under tight security around 9am. Security has been heightened across the court complex, with Army, BGB, RAB and police personnel deployed at all entry points.

This is the first case relating to the state’s crackdown during the July Mass Uprising to reach the verdict stage.

The pronouncement of judgment will be broadcast live, with all private television channels authorised to relay the feed.

ICT Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam expressed confidence that the ruling would set an important precedent, saying the state expected exemplary punishment for the accused. “No matter how powerful an individual is, anyone who commits crimes against humanity will face justice through due process,” he said.

The tribunal set 13 November to determine the verdict date after hearing rebuttal arguments on 23 October. The Attorney General also argued for the maximum sentence.

Earlier, state-appointed defence counsel presented arguments on 22 October, followed by three days of defence submissions and five days of prosecution arguments. Evidence included documentaries on the July Mass Uprising and audio recordings of telephonic conversations reportedly involving Sheikh Hasina.

A total of 54 prosecution witnesses testified, including the father of July martyr Abu Sayed, National Citizens’ Party Convener Nahid Islam, and journalist Mahmudur Rahman.

On 17 June, the tribunal published notices ordering Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to surrender by 24 June, failing which the trial would proceed in absentia. Both were later declared absconders based on intelligence reports suggesting they were in India.

The prosecution brought five charges of crimes against humanity and mass killings against the accused, based on a probe report submitted on 12 May. Charges were formally framed on 10 July.