Families of July victims welcome verdict, demand swift execution of sentences
The ICT-1 today sentenced Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death over crimes against humanity during the July Uprising
Families of those killed during last year's July Uprising have expressed relief over the International Crimes Tribunal verdict delivered today (17 November), urging the authorities to enforce the sentences without delay.
The three-member panel of ICT-1, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mazumder, sentenced ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death, while former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun – who became a state witness – received five years in prison.
We are pleased with the verdict, but Sheikh Hasina is not in the country. Will the government be able to bring her back? Will this sentence ever be enforced?
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Ratan Chandra Tarua, father of Chittagong University student Hridoy Chandra Tarua, told The Business Standard that the families had been waiting for justice.
"We have long demanded justice for this massacre, which left thousands of mothers grieving. We are satisfied with the verdict. It has taken the trial one step forward. We want the sentences to be carried out quickly," he said.
Hridoy, a history student at Chittagong University, was shot during an attack on anti-discrimination protesters at Bahaddarhat on 18 July 2024. He died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on 23 July.
Md Zakir Hossain, father of Faisal Ahmed Shanto, said no parent should have to carry their child's body.
"I will never get my son back. But the death sentence has been handed down — Alhamdulillah. Now bring Sheikh Hasina and the fugitive accused back to the country and enforce the verdict. We want quick trials for all martyrs, including my son," he said.
Faisal, also a Chittagong University student, was shot dead on 16 July 2024 during clashes between police and quota reform protesters at Muradpur Gate-2. Doctors at Chittagong Medical College Hospital declared him dead on arrival.
Badsha Mia, father of SSC examinee Tanvir Ahmed Siddiqui, said the verdict had raised both hope and doubt.
"We are pleased with the verdict, but Sheikh Hasina is not in the country. Will the government be able to bring her back? Will this sentence ever be enforced? We want quick implementation," he told The Business Standard.
Tanvir, 19, was killed on 18 July 2024 during clashes between quota reform protesters, police, and ruling party activists at Bahaddarhat.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met families of those killed in the quota reform movement on 28 July last year. Badsha Mia was among those invited but chose not to attend.
"Our MP asked us to go to Dhaka, but I refused," he earlier told The Business Standard. "I cannot take money after my son's death. That money would not go down my throat."
