Dhaka: Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Prof Dr. Asif Nazrul today described the verdict of International Crimes Tribunal-1 in a case against Sheikh Hasina and two others as ‘another victory of the July mass uprising’. ‘Today’s verdict is a memorable and historic milestone in the history of justice in Bangladesh,’ he told journalists at the secretariat while giving immediate reaction over the verdict.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Asif Nazrul said the verdict is not any form of political vengeance; rather, it is the outcome of justice delivered on the basis of irrefutable evidences. He stated that the fresh, strong and extensive evidence presented before the court against Sheikh Hasina and her associates would have resulted in the maximum punishment in any court in the world.
The adviser highlighted that during the judicial process, the incidents of violence, shootings, abductions, detentions, torture, and mass killing committed in the July-August mass uprising of 2024 were examined with utmost seriousness. These brutal incidents resulted in a massive loss of life and permanent physical injuries, severely impacting the country’s democratic security framework.
Becoming emotional during the briefing, the law adviser said: ‘Today I particularly remember those who sacrificed their lives in the July movement-Abu Saeed, Mugdho, Wasim, Yamin, Anas, Riya Gope, and countless other martyrs.’ He expressed hope that today’s verdict might bring some peace to their departed souls and provide long-awaited solace to their bereaved families.
Furthermore, he announced that another formal letter will be sent to India seeking the extradition of Sheikh Hasina. He warned that if India continues to shelter a person convicted of crimes against humanity, it will be considered a hostile and condemnable act towards Bangladesh. Asif Nazrul emphasized that the government is moving forward with the extradition process within the framework of international law and is strengthening the legal procedures.
Expressing commitment to continue the judicial proceedings, the Law Adviser asserted that as long as the current government is in office, the trial will continue with full vigor. He underscored that regardless of which government comes next, the nation expects them not to retreat from this grave responsibility.
He also extended his gratitude to Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam, the prosecution team, investigating officers, and hundreds of witnesses, praising those who testified in court for the sake of truth, defying fear and intimidation, as vital contributors to the establishment of justice through this verdict.
Earlier today, the International Crimes Tribunal-1 sentenced Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July-August 2024 mass uprising. Additionally, the Tribunal awarded former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun a “lenient sentence” of five years’ imprisonment for making a full disclosure of the events and cooperating with investigators as state approver.