Verdict in crimes against humanity case against Hasina, Kamal to be delivered on 17 Nov
Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam hopes for the highest punishment for the accused, while state defence counsel Md Amir Hossain says he expects an acquittal.
The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) has set 17 November for delivering its verdict in a crimes against humanity case filed against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun over the mass killings that took place during last year's July Uprising.
The three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, fixed the date today (13 November). The other members of the panel were Justice Shofiul Alam Mahmud and retired District and Sessions Judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.
Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam has expressed hope that the tribunal will deliver the highest punishment for the accused.
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On the other hand, state-appointed defence counsel Md Amir Hossain expressed hope that the accused would be acquitted in this case.
During the hearing, former IGP Mamun, the only accused currently under arrest who has turned into a state witness in the case, was produced before the tribunal.
Hasina and Kamal, who fled to India in the face of the mass uprising in August last year, remain absconding.
Earlier, on 23 October, the tribunal concluded the arguments presented by both the prosecution and defence before setting the verdict date.
Over 28 working days, the tribunal heard testimonies from 54 witnesses. Mamun has already given his statement before the tribunal, confessing his involvement and testifying as a state witness.
In this case, the prosecution brought five charges of crimes against humanity against the three accused. The formal charge document spans a total of 8,747 pages, including 2,018 pages of references, 4,005 pages of seizure lists and documentary evidence, and 2,724 pages detailing the list of martyrs.
The prosecution has brought five charges of crimes against humanity and mass killings against Hasina, Kamal, and Mamun, based on a probe report filed by the ICT investigation agency on 12 May.
The tribunal framed charges against the trio on 10 July.
Security has been heightened across the capital ahead of the verdict date announcement.
In addition to police personnel, officials from the Army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and intelligence agencies have been deployed to ensure robust security, with an archway installed at the ICT's main entrance. Authorities are conducting strict security checks on every individual before granting entry into the tribunal complex.
