Dhaka: International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) today convicted and sentenced ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July Mass Uprising, holding them guilty under the doctrine of superior command responsibility. The three-member panel, headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, delivered the verdict after finding them guilty on multiple charges.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the tribunal found that Sheikh Hasina had a control status over Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, and it was her responsibility to stop the atrocities carried out nationwide. Likewise, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal held superior command responsibility over IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun and other senior security officials. The tribunal observed that in all the cases, they not only failed but also incited and abetted the commission of the crimes.
The court found the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal guilty of three counts under charge number one. The charges included inciting crimes through provocative speech at a press briefing on July 14, 2024, where Hasina labelled protesters as children of Razakars, and a telephonic conversation with the vice-chancellor of the University of Dhaka, where she threatened to hang protesters. The charges also included the shooting and killing of BRUR student Abu Sayed by the police.
The tribunal sentenced both Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to imprisonment till natural death for the counts under charge number one. They were also found guilty of three counts under charge number two, which included ordering the deployment of helicopters, drones, and lethal weapons against protesters, leading to the deaths of unarmed students and protesters in August 2024.
Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun was also found guilty of these charges but was awarded a lenient sentence of five years’ imprisonment for cooperating with investigators as an approver. The tribunal ordered the confiscation of all properties owned by Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal in favor of the state and directed authorities to provide adequate compensation to the families of the July martyrs and those injured.
The tribunal began pronouncing the judgment at 12:50 pm and concluded at 2:45 pm. The proceedings were broadcast live by Bangladesh Television (BTV), with most private channels simulcasting the feed. This case marks the first ICT case related to the state’s crackdown during the July Mass Uprising to reach a verdict.
On June 17, the tribunal published notices ordering Hasina and Kamal to surrender, warning that the trial would proceed in absentia if they failed to do so. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam informed the court that both accused were absconding, with intelligence reports suggesting they were in India. The prosecution filed five charges of crimes against humanity and mass killings against Hasina, Kamal, and Abdullah Al-Mamun based on a probe report submitted earlier.