The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) on November 17 convicted and handed down death sentences to ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and ex-home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal for crimes against humanity committed during the July Mass Uprising in 2024, finding them culpable under the principle of superior command responsibility.

The three-judge panel, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, issued the verdict after determining their guilt on multiple charges.

The tribunal also held former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun accountable, but imposed a ‘lenient term’ of five years’ imprisonment due to his full cooperation with investigators as an approver.

‘Sheikh Hasina exercised control over Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, making it her duty to prevent the atrocities committed nationwide. Similarly, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal had superior command over IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun and other senior security officials.

In all instances, they not only neglected their responsibilities but actively encouraged and abetted the crimes,’ the tribunal noted.

The court ruled Sheikh Hasina guilty of the first charge—inciting violence through inflammatory speech—and sentenced her to imprisonment for life.

She was also found guilty of the second and fourth charges—ordering the deployment of helicopters, drones, and lethal weapons against protesters, and orchestrating the killing of six unarmed students in the Chankharpul area of Dhaka—and was sentenced to death for these offences.

The tribunal held the former home minister responsible on four counts of crimes against humanity and imposed the death penalty accordingly.

It also directed the seizure of all assets owned by Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal in favour of the state and instructed authorities to provide adequate compensation to the families of July martyrs and those injured.

The tribunal began delivering the judgment at 12:50pm.

‘This ruling spans 453 pages, divided into six sections. We will read the summary in segments, and I will read the concluding part. It will take approximately 40 minutes,’ Justice Mozumder explained.

Judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury read his segment until 1:10pm, followed by Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmood, who continued with the middle portion until 1:56pm.

The tribunal chairman then read the sentencing section, finishing the delivery at 2:45pm.

Before commencing the verdict, Justice Mozumder expressed gratitude to the Attorney General, prosecution team, investigators, tribunal staff, and journalists for their contributions to the trial.

Prison authorities produced the accused-turned-approver Abdullah Al-Mamun at the tribunal at approximately 9:00am.

Tight security measures were in place, with personnel from the Bangladesh Army, BGB, RAB, and police stationed at all entrances.

This is the first ICT case stemming from the state’s suppression during the July Mass Uprising to reach a verdict.

Bangladesh Television (BTV) broadcast the proceedings live, with most private channels simulcasting.

On October 23, the tribunal set November 13 to announce the verdict following Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam’s rebuttal.

Defence arguments concluded on October 22, with state-appointed lawyers Advocate Amir Hossain representing fugitive accused Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and Advocate Jaiad Bin Amjad defending Abdullah Al-Mamun.

The defence presented their case over three consecutive days, while the prosecution argued for five days, submitting documentaries, audio recordings of alleged conversations involving Sheikh Hasina, and other supporting material.

A total of 54 prosecution witnesses—including the father of July martyr Abu Sayed, National Citizens’ Party Convener Nahid Islam, and journalist Mahmudur Rahman—gave testimony and faced cross-examination.

Former IGP Al-Mamun had earlier pleaded guilty and turned approver.

On June 17, the tribunal published notices in two national newspapers ordering Hasina and Kamal to appear by June 24 under Rule 31 of the ICT Rules of Procedure (Amendment 2025), warning that the trial would continue in absentia under Section 10A of the ICT Act, 1973.

The notices were issued one day after the tribunal formally took cognizance of the charges filed on June 1.

Chief Prosecutor Tajul informed the court that both accused were absconding, citing 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 an investigation report submitted on May 12.

Charges were formally framed on July 10.

Law advisors and political leaders have described the ruling as a landmark in establishing justice, with authorities signalling plans to request Hasina’s extradition from India.

BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed called the verdict a precedent demonstrating that no individual, regardless of power, is above the law.