Dhaka: The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 has released the comprehensive 453-page judgment convicting and sentencing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ex-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for crimes against humanity linked to the July Mass Uprising.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Advocate Jaiad Bin Amjad, the legal representative for former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, confirmed receiving a copy of the verdict. Al-Mamun, who cooperated with investigators and became an approver in the case, received a reduced sentence of five years for his full disclosure of the events.
The tribunal delivered its judgment on November 17, finding the trio guilty under the doctrine of superior command responsibility. The court observed that Sheikh Hasina had authority over her co-accused, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, and was responsible for halting the nationwide atrocities. However, the tribunal noted that they not only failed to prevent the crimes but also incited and abetted them.
The court found Hasina and Kamal guilty on three counts related to charge number one. These included inciting crimes through a provocative speech on July 14, 2024, a telephonic conversation threatening violence, and the subsequent death of a student from Begum Rokeya University. Both were sentenced to imprisonment till natural death for these counts.
Additionally, the tribunal convicted them on three counts under charge number two, which involved ordering violent actions against protesters, resulting in multiple deaths in August 2024. Consequently, Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal were sentenced to death for these offences.
Moreover, the tribunal ordered the confiscation of all properties owned by the convicted leaders, directing that these be transferred to the state. It also mandated that authorities provide compensation to the families of those killed and injured during the July events.