Dhaka: The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) is poised to deliver its judgment tomorrow in a pivotal crimes against humanity case involving three individuals, including the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The case addresses superior command responsibility for crimes committed during the July Mass Uprising.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the panel, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, set the date for judgment on November 13. This case marks the first of its kind filed with ICT concerning the state's crackdown during the July Mass Uprising to reach a resolution.
Bangladesh Television (BTV) has confirmed it will broadcast the tribunal's proceedings live. ICT prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim stated that while BTV will air the pronouncement of judgment, other private TV channels will have permission to relay the broadcast live through BTV.
ICT Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam expressed hope for exemplary punishment for the ousted prime minister and her co-defendants. He emphasized the significance of the forthcoming verdict, anticipating it to set a precedent for Bangladesh's judiciary in handling crimes against humanity.
On October 23, the tribunal designated November 13 for the verdict in the case against Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. The decision followed Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam's rebuttal submission in the case.
Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman also advocated for the maximum punishment for the accused on that day. Advocate Amir Hossain, representing the two fugitives - Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal - and Advocate Jaiad Bin Amjad, representing Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, concluded their defense arguments on October 22.
The defense presented arguments over three days, while the prosecution laid out its case over five days, showcasing documentaries, audio records, and other evidence related to the July Mass Uprising.
Chief Prosecutor Tajul cited testimonies from various witnesses to establish a systematic approach in the suppression of the mass uprising. A total of 54 prosecution witnesses, including relatives of victims and journalists, testified in the case.
Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, one of the accused, previously pleaded guilty and became an approver in the case.
On June 17, ICT-1 issued notices in national dailies, demanding Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal's surrender by June 24. The notice stipulated that the trial would proceed in absentia if they failed to appear.
The tribunal issued these notices after recognizing formal charges submitted on June 1. Intelligence reports suggested that Hasina and Kamal were in India, leading to their status as absconders.
The prosecution filed five charges against Hasina, Kamal, and Abdullah Al-Mamun on May 12, which the tribunal formalized on July 10.