Heightened security, army on ground ahead of Hasina ICT verdict
A comprehensive security system is in place, involving personnel from the army, BGB, RAB, police and the APBn.
Security around the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has been sharply tightened, with army troops deployed, ahead of today's (17 November) verdict against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and two senior aides over crimes against humanity linked to the July Uprising.
The verdict is set to be announced by the International Crimes Tribunal-1, presided over by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder.
To ensure safety, a comprehensive security system is in place, involving personnel from the army, Border Guard Bangladesh, Rapid Action Battalion, police and the Armed Police Battalion.
Authorities are conducting thorough checks on everyone entering the High Court and tribunal areas.
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The case also names former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former inspector general of police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun as the accused. Hasina and Asaduzzaman are absconding, while Mamun has turned a state witness.
The judgement will be broadcast live on Bangladesh Television and shown on large screens at several locations in Dhaka under a cultural ministry initiative, said Prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim at a briefing at the tribunal compound yesterday.
The prosecution has brought five charges against the three, including incitement, provocation and command responsibility for the killing of 1,400 people and the maiming of another 25,000 during the July Uprising.
Over 15 years of Hasina's rule ended on 5 August last year when the Awami League president fled the country to India amid the student-led protests.
Prosecutors have sought the death penalty for Hasina and Asaduzzaman. State-appointed lawyers representing the two have pleaded for acquittal, arguing that the accused are innocent.
Traffic flow in Dhaka remained steady as the Bangladesh Sarak Paribahan Workers Federation declared yesterday that transportation services would continue despite a scheduled "lockdown" announced by the ousted Awami League, reports UNB.
Besides, people, including office workers and students, were seen making their way to their destinations, and there was an adequate supply of vehicles available.
