Live global coverage set for verdict in Sheikh Hasina case

Published : Sunday, 16 November, 2025 at 1:32 PM Count : 16

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) will deliver its verdict on Monday (17 November) in the July 2024 mass killing case against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and two former senior security officials — with the proceedings set to be broadcast live for both domestic and international audiences.

According to sources in the tribunal and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the judgement will be aired globally, while large screens will be installed at key points across Dhaka to allow the public to follow the proceedings in real time.

The case involves charges of crimes against humanity brought against Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. The tribunal set the date for the verdict on 13 November, when a three-member bench led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar announced that the judgement had been finalised. The bench also includes Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmood and Justice Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

Sources said the nation — along with observers from many countries — is awaiting the outcome of the landmark trial, which prosecutors say will set an important example for future accountability processes. The Cultural Affairs Ministry plans to place large screens at major intersections and public areas across the capital so residents can watch the verdict live.

The prosecution panel is led by Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, along with Mizanul Islam, Gazi M.H. Tamim, Faruk Ahmad and others.

On 23 October, Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman presented the state’s closing arguments, citing precedents where prime ministers and top leaders in other countries were tried for crimes against humanity. He urged the tribunal to impose the highest punishment on Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Following the state’s arguments, Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam responded to several points raised by the defence, after which state-appointed defence counsel Amir Hossain delivered his rebuttal.

Former IGP Abdullah Al-Mamun is also an accused in the case but testified as a prosecution witness. While prosecutors sought the maximum sentence for the two principal accused, they said they would leave the decision on Mamun to the discretion of the tribunal. His lawyer, Zaed Bin Amjad, has pleaded for his acquittal. Whether the former police chief walks free or faces penalties will become clear on the day of the verdict.

Of the 84 witnesses listed, 54 testified for the prosecution. Testimony began on 3 August this year, with Khokon Chandra Barman describing the alleged atrocities of July–August 2024 as the first witness. The final testimony concluded on 8 October with the cross-examination of investigation officer Md Alamgir. The tribunal completed the hearing of arguments on 23 October.

The prosecution brought five charges of crimes against humanity against the three accused, including incitement, use of lethal weapons, the murder of Abu Sayeed, killings in Chankharpul, and the burning of bodies in Ashulia. The formal charge sheet comprises 8,747 pages, including evidence lists, seized documents, investigative notes and a detailed record of victims.

The tribunal’s investigation agency submitted its report to the Chief Prosecutor on 12 May.

With the verdict now hours away, the nation prepares to hear the first judgement in the July 2024 mass killing case — a decision poised to draw significant domestic and international attention.

FP/MI