Verdict in case against Hasina, 2 others to be aired live: Tajul

The announcement of the verdict in the case of crimes against humanity committed in July–August against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others will be broadcast live on Monday (17 November). Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam informed journalists about the decision.

The verdict date was set for Monday (17 November) by the three-member judicial panel of the International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Thursday (13 November). The panel is led by Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mazumder, with Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Md. Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury as members.

Bangladesh Television will air the verdict live, and it will also be streamed on the tribunal’s Facebook page.

Alongside Sheikh Hasina, the other accused are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Among them, former IGP Al-Mamun has testified as an “approver” (prosecution witness).

Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan remain absconding, while Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun is in prison. The prosecution presented its arguments over five days, and the defense concluded its arguments over three days, ending on 23 October.

The prosecution has brought five charges against the accused and demanded the maximum punishment for Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan. Government-appointed lawyers, however, have pleaded for the acquittal of all the accused, including the approver, former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.