Families of July Uprising victims gather at ICT for Hasina verdict, demand exemplary justice
It will not be enough to just deliver a verdict. She must be brought back from India and the sentence must be carried out," said father of July Uprising victim Hafizul Shikder
Families of victims killed during the July Uprising gathered on the International Crimes Tribunal premises today (17 November) ahead of the verdict in the crimes against humanity case against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
Several parents expressed deep grief and demanded what they described as "exemplary justice" for the killings of their children.
Syed Gaziur Rahman, father of Syed Muntasir Rahman, who was killed in the Jatrabari area during the July Uprising, told journalists at the tribunal that his son had recently passed the Dakhil examination (HSC equivalent) with an A+ in science.
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"The nation has lost a piece of gold. Who else will make such a sacrifice?" he said, recalling his son's death.
Gaziur demanded what he termed an "exemplary punishment" in the verdict. "My wish is that the verdict becomes a lesson for all. Only then will people find peace," he said.
Commenting on the possibility of enforcing a sentence, he added, "Why would it be impossible to bring her back? Other countries are not giving her visas. Even India will not keep her once their interests are over. We want the verdict to be executed during this government's tenure."
Also present at the time was Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdho, the twin brother of July martyr Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho. He said, "Hanging Hasina a thousand times would not be enough. But we want an exemplerary justice for her crimes."
Abu Bakar Siddiq, father of another July Uprising victim Hafizul Shikder—killed near the Badda Post Office intersection on 20 July last year—echoed similar sentiments.
He said, "It will not be enough to just deliver a verdict. She must be brought back from India and the sentence must be carried out. Only then will the souls of those who were killed find peace."
He added, "No one can understand the pain of losing a child except a parent."
Many other families of those killed during the July Movement were also present on the tribunal premises today, awaiting the verdict.
The ICT is set to announce the verdict against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and two senior aides over crimes against humanity linked to the July Uprising around 11am today.
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.
