Dhaka: Political parties have hailed the verdict of the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) that sentenced ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July-August 2024 mass uprising. While giving reaction over the verdict, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed today said the death sentence handed down to Sheikh Hasina in crimes against humanity case would serve as a precedent for Bangladesh’s future political landscape.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ahmed emphasized that the verdict establishes justice and sets an example for the future, sending a message that no one can establish a fascist regime in the country again. He stated that autocracy will not take root, and this serves as a lesson for upcoming generations. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar claimed that there is no room to question the transparency and impartiality of the trial, which met international standards.
Parwar highlighted that the trial presented evidence, including newspapers, audio-visual material, and telephone conversations, verbatim, demonstrating the ruthlessness of the accused. He criticized previous trials against Jamaat leaders, which he argued were marred by fabricated charges and biased judgments. Parwar expressed that the verdict partially fulfills the aspirations of Bangladesh’s 180 million citizens for justice against crimes against humanity, a demand that predates national elections.
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam called for the swift execution of Sheikh Hasina’s death sentence. He urged that her return to Bangladesh and execution within a month is essential to meet public expectations and honor the families of martyrs and injured fighters of the July Uprising. Nahid congratulated student activists and families affected by the uprising, describing the day as historic and just.
AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju issued a statement describing the verdict as a vindication of the oppressed’s victory against exploiters. He believes the judgment has re-established faith in justice, strengthening the country’s political culture. Bangladesh Labor Party Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran echoed similar sentiments, labeling the verdict as a milestone and a victory of justice against state forces’ atrocities during the July movement.
Iran stressed that the verdict sets a judicial precedent against tyranny and fascism, emphasizing that the sacrifices of the oppressed and victims of mass killing have not been in vain. Earlier today, the ICT-1 convicted and sentenced ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death under the doctrine of superior command responsibility. The tribunal, headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, also found former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun guilty, awarding him a lenient sentence for his cooperation as an approver.