Hasina death sentence proves Bangladesh can ensure justice by int’l standards, says Chief Prosecutor Tajul

International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam has said that today's (17 November) verdict sentencing ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to death demonstrates Bangladesh's ability to conduct trials while maintaining international legal norms.

In his immediate reaction, he welcomed the ruling, calling it a reaffirmation of the nation's commitment to establishing justice.

Earlier on the day, the ICT handed down the death penalty to Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal in a case involving crimes against humanity committed during last year's July Uprising.

The tribunal sentenced the third accused, former inspector general of police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, to five years in prison after he turned state witness, sparing him the death penalty.

Tajul said the death sentence is "not an act of vengeance for the past."

Referring to the tribunal's verdicts during the the Awami League government which led to the execution of five top leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami and one senior BNP leader, Tajul said, "We believe this verdict is in no way a retaliation for anything in the past.

"It is a commitment to the nation and an effort to establish justice. It reflects the nation's quest for justice."

Tajul also said, "This verdict proves that no matter how powerful or influential the accused is, no one is above the law.' 

"Bangladesh is a state where every offender, regardless of their stature, must face accountability for their crimes and receive due punishment," he added

Regarding the ICT's verdict, Tajul said the evidence and testimonies presented before the tribunal would meet the standards of any court in the world.

"If this evidence were placed before any court across the globe, every accused who has been sentenced today would receive the same punishment," he added.

"This verdict proves that no matter how powerful or influential an offender is, no one is above the law. Bangladesh is a state where any perpetrator, regardless of their position, must face accountability and trial for their crimes," he said, adding that the outcome also demonstrates Bangladesh's ability to conduct trials for complex crimes such as crimes against humanity while maintaining international norms and standards. 

Tajul further said that if the verdict brings even a measure of comfort to the families of the 1,400 young people who sacrificed their lives to end authoritarian rule in the country, that alone is an achievement for the prosecution. 

"If our modest effort to complete this judicial process helps free the nation from the stigma of impunity, that will be our success," he added.