Dhaka: Sweets have been distributed and jubilant processions were held in different districts following the verdict of the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1), which sentenced ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July-August 2024 mass uprising.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, members of the Nationalist Lawyers Forum Dhaka Bar took to the streets in the capital, organizing a jubilant procession at the Dhaka lower court and distributing sweets in response to the verdict. The procession commenced in front of the Dhaka Lawyers’ Association and traversed through the Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court and the Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court, culminating in front of the lawyers’ association. A large crowd outside the International Crimes Tribunal-1 also celebrated the pronouncement of the verdict with cheers and slogans.
Security was heightened around the tribunal as law enforcement agencies remained vigilant to prevent any untoward incidents. The verdict attracted families of those killed in the July mass uprising, individuals injured during the protests, and participants in the movement. Many gathered near the Supreme Court’s Mausoleum Gate, chanting slogans and expressing strong emotions as they reacted to the judgment.
At Jahangirnagar University, students manifested their satisfaction by hanging a symbolic effigy and distributing sweets. Following the announcement, representatives from the Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union and general students congregated in the university’s Bot Tola area to express their reactions. The general secretary of JUCSU, Mazharul Islam, stated that the verdict symbolized justice against tyranny and that the victims of July had finally received due justice.
In Rajshahi, leaders and workers of the National Citizen Party (NCP) shared sweetmeats at Shaheb Bazar Zero Point. NCP city unit Convener Mobashwer Ali and others praised the verdict and demanded Sheikh Hasina’s swift extradition from India for execution. Concurrently, BNP leader Nazrul Islam and followers held a rally in Puthiya, expressing their satisfaction with the verdict.
From Khulna, reports indicated that students and residents gathered at Shibbari Intersection, distributing sweets and advocating for the quick execution of the verdict against Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Speaking to BSS, Ahmad Hamim Rahat, a July fighter and student representative, reported that participants expressed their satisfaction through the distribution of sweets.
In Narayanganj, NCP members distributed sweets at Chashara Central Shaheed Minar, celebrating the death sentence verdict. NCP leaders expressed satisfaction, citing the loss of around 1,400 lives under the directives of Hasina and Kamal. Shawkat Ali, NCP central committee organizer, emphasized that the verdict served as a lesson for future leaders.
BSS Kishoreganj Correspondent reported that Kishoreganj district unit members of July’s warriors distributed sweets to the public at Kalibari Chattar, celebrating the verdict. Ashraful Islam Nadim, the unit’s member secretary, stated that they hailed the verdict.
Earlier, the ICT-1 convicted and sentenced Sheikh Hasina and home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death under the doctrine of superior command responsibility. The tribunal, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, also found former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun guilty, granting him a five-year sentence for his cooperation with investigators.