The International Crimes Tribunal may Thursday set the date for delivering its verdict in the case over crimes against humanity -- committed during the July uprising -- filed against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who later became an approver.

Prosecutor Mizanul Islam shared the information during a press briefing at the premises of the International Crimes Tribunal this afternoon.

He said the state-appointed defence counsel for the absconding accused Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan, and the defence lawyer for approver Mamun, concluded their arguments today.

"We will place our reply on behalf of the prosecution tomorrow. The chief prosecutor and the attorney general will also deliver their concluding statements. After that, the tribunal is expected to formally set the date for the verdict," Mizanul said.

Earlier in the afternoon, state-appointed defence lawyer Md Amir Hossain completed his arguments on behalf of the accused, claiming their innocence and seeking acquittal after three consecutive days of hearings.

The arguments were presented before the three-member Tribunal-1, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder.

FP/MI