Live Streaming Likely for Sheikh Hasina’s Verdict: Prosecutor Tamim

The verdict in the crimes against humanity case involving ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others over the July '24 mass killings will be announced on Monday, 17 November. Leveraging modern technology, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) will livestream the pronouncement of the judgment, allowing viewers around the globe to watch it in real time. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs will also arrange large screens at various locations across Dhaka to broadcast the proceedings.

The information was conveyed on Sunday, 16 November, by International Crimes Tribunal Prosecutor Gazi M. H. Tamim while speaking to journalists.

During a briefing on the tribunal premises, Gazi Tamim stated, “The prosecution has been able to prove the charges and has sought the highest punishment—death penalty. Additionally, we have prayed for the confiscation of the properties of the accused and transferring them to the families of the victims, martyrs, and the injured.”

When asked about the progress of other cases against Sheikh Hasina, Tamim responded, “If similar charges related to the July mass uprising have been brought before any other court in Bangladesh, those proceedings cannot continue. This is our constitutional right. A person cannot be punished or tried twice for the same allegation. Therefore, if any other cases involve charges outside these five allegations, those may continue. But no other cases may proceed based on the five charges being disposed of here, nor can new cases be filed regarding them.”

The nation now waits for the verdict against Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. The world is also watching Bangladesh closely. For this reason, the verdict will be broadcast live to ensure transparency and create a precedent for future justice efforts. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs will set up large displays in significant locations across Dhaka, enabling residents to watch the proceedings with ease.

The tribunal had earlier fixed 17 November as the date for delivering the judgment. On 13 November at 12:09 pm, the three-member panel of Tribunal-1, headed by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, announced the date. The other members are Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmood and Justice Md. Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

Representing the prosecution were Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, Prosecutor Mizanul Islam, Gazi M. H. Tamim, Faruk Ahmed, and others.

On 23 October, Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman presented the closing arguments, referencing how prime ministers and high-profile leaders in various countries have faced trials for crimes against humanity. He sought the maximum punishment for Sheikh Hasina and Kamal. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam later responded to some points presented by the state-appointed defence counsel. State Defence Lawyer Amir Hossain also made rebuttals. Following this, the tribunal fixed the date for announcing the verdict. The judgment in this crimes against humanity case is expected within a week, marking the first verdict related to the July killings.

The charge sheet also lists former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who gave testimony as a state witness. For this reason, although the prosecution demanded the highest punishment for Sheikh Hasina and Kamal, it left Mamun’s fate to the tribunal’s discretion. His counsel, Zayed Bin Amjad, sought his acquittal. Whether he walks free or faces consequences will be known when the verdict is delivered.

Out of 84 witnesses listed, 54 have testified in this case. Witness testimonies began on 3 August this year, with Khokon Chandra Barman presenting the first account describing the brutality of the July–August 2024 events. Testimony concluded on 8 October after the cross-examination of chief investigation officer Md. Alamgir. Closing arguments from the prosecution and state defence wrapped up on 23 October.

The prosecution brought five charges of crimes against humanity against the three accused: incitement, use of lethal weapons, the murder of Abu Sayeed, killings in Chankharpul, and the burning of bodies in Ashulia. The formal charge sheet comprises 8,747 pages, including 2,018 pages of source materials, 4,005 pages of seizure lists and documentary evidence, and 2,724 pages detailing the list of martyrs. A total of 84 witnesses were included. The tribunal’s investigation agency submitted the report to the Chief Prosecutor on 12 May.

DBTech/AP/IK/OR