Dhaka: Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Muhammad Tajul Islam today called for the maximum punishment for ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, labeling her as the mastermind behind numerous criminal activities. “Sheikh Hasina is the mastermind of all the crimes. She is an unrepentant, heartless criminal. She deserves the maximum punishment. No mercy should be shown to her regarding the death penalty,” he stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Tajul was presenting arguments in the case against Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who has already pleaded guilty and turned approver. Tajul emphasized the severity of the crimes, particularly the murder of 1,400 people, suggesting that the maximum punishment should be imposed as a deterrent to future crimes.
The chief prosecutor also demanded the harshest penalties for Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, identifying him as part of the “Gang of Four” responsible for suppressing the July-August Mass Uprising. However, in the case of former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who has cooperated with the court, Tajul deferred to the tribunal’s judgment on an appropriate sentence.
Tajul further appealed for financial compensation for the victims of the uprising, to be sourced from the assets of those convicted. A total of 54 prosecution witnesses, including the father of July martyr Abu Sayed, National Citizen’s Party Convener Nahid Islam, and journalist Mahmudur Rahman, testified and were cross-examined during the proceedings.
The tribunal had earlier issued notices for Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to surrender by June 24, 2025, warning that the trial would proceed in absentia if they failed to appear. These notices followed the tribunal’s acceptance of formal charges on June 16, based on a probe report by the ICT investigation agency.
Chief Prosecutor Tajul informed the court of intelligence reports indicating that Hasina and Kamal were absconding in India. The prosecution has brought five charges of crimes against humanity and mass killings against the accused, with charges officially framed by the tribunal on July 10.