Dhaka: The Appellate Division has added to its cause list an appeal filed by the ICT prosecution, which seeks to enhance the sentence of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to the death penalty in a case related to crimes against humanity during the July Mass Uprising. This appeal is part of a broader effort to address the legal ramifications stemming from the events of that period.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the appeal was placed as item number 58 on the cause list of the Appellate Division Chamber Judge Court. The ICT prosecution submitted the appeal to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on December 15, 2025. It requests an upgrade of the sentence from life imprisonment to the death penalty, emphasizing the severity of the crimes committed under their leadership.
The appeal, titled ‘Criminal Appeal No 96/2025: Chief Prosecutor vs Sheikh Hasina and another,’ was filed on eight grounds. It challenges the previous verdict delivered by ICT-1 on November 17, which convicted Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal of crimes against humanity, holding them responsible under the doctrine of superior command responsibility.
The tribunal, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, found both Hasina and Kamal guilty on several charges. Under charge number one, they were sentenced to life imprisonment, while charge number two led to a death sentence for other offences. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, found guilty on the same charges, received a reduced sentence of five years due to his cooperation with the investigation.
Moreover, the tribunal ordered the confiscation of all properties owned by Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, directing that these assets be transferred to the state. Additionally, it instructed authorities to provide adequate compensation to the families of the July martyrs and those injured during the uprising.