ICT Verdict on Sheikh Hasina, Former Home Minister, and Others Set for November 17

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has scheduled November 17 to deliver its verdict in the case against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and three others, over alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July–August period surrounding the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

A three-member bench of the tribunal, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mazumdar, issued the order on Thursday.

During Thursday’s proceedings, Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam and several members of the prosecution team appeared before the tribunal, while Md Amir Hossain, a state-appointed lawyer, represented the accused.

The tribunal had earlier heard the closing arguments on October 23, marking the end of a series of hearings. The prosecution, led by Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam and Attorney General Mohammad Asaduzzaman, sought the maximum punishment for the accused, while defence counsel Amir Hossain pleaded for their acquittal, asserting their innocence.

In its final argument, the defence challenged the credibility of several key witnesses, including former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, Daily Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman, and Jatiya Nagorik Party convener Nahid Islam.

Notably, former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun had earlier admitted his involvement and pled guilty, acknowledging that the charges of murder and genocide during the July–August movement were true. He expressed his intention to assist the tribunal as a state witness.

The tribunal has framed five charges of crimes against humanity against the accused. The formal charge sheet spans 8,747 pages, which include 2,018 pages of references, 405 pages of evidence and seized documents, and 2,724 pages detailing the martyrs’ list.

The highly anticipated verdict is expected to mark a historic moment in Bangladesh’s judicial history, drawing significant national and international attention.