Hasina Sentenced to Death Over Crimes Against Humanity

A collage of the ICT logo and Sheikh Hasina.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) today convicted and sentenced ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July Mass Uprising. The tribunal found them guilty under the doctrine of superior command responsibility.

The three-member panel, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, delivered the verdict after finding both accused responsible for multiple offences. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun was also found guilty, but received a five-year “lenient sentence” for cooperating with investigators as an approver.

According to the judgment, Sheikh Hasina exercised command responsibility over Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, and failed to prevent nationwide atrocities. The tribunal said Kamal likewise held superior responsibility over the former IGP and senior security officials, and that both leaders incited and abetted the crimes.

Hasina was found guilty of inciting violence through provocative speeches and was sentenced to imprisonment until natural death for that charge. She received death sentences for ordering helicopter and drone deployments, authorising the use of lethal weapons against protesters, and orchestrating the killing of six unarmed students in Chankharpul.

The tribunal also sentenced Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death after finding him guilty on four separate counts of crimes against humanity.

Additionally, the court ordered the confiscation of all properties owned by Hasina and Kamal for the state, and instructed authorities to compensate families of those killed and injured during the July events.

The tribunal began delivering the 453-page judgment at 12:50 pm, reading it in sections before concluding at 2:45 pm. Justice Mozumder thanked the Attorney General’s office, the prosecution, investigators, tribunal staff, and all who contributed to the proceedings.

Former IGP Al-Mamun, now an approver, was produced at the tribunal in the morning under tight security by Army, BGB, RAB, and police personnel. This marks the first verdict delivered in cases related to the state crackdown during the July Mass Uprising. The proceedings were broadcast live by state television, with several private channels simulcasting.

The tribunal fixed the verdict date on October 23 after the prosecution completed its rebuttal. Defence arguments concluded on October 22, with state-appointed lawyers representing the fugitives Hasina and Kamal, and Advocate Jaiad Bin Amjad defending Al-Mamun.

Over five days, the prosecution presented documentaries, audio recordings, and witness testimonies to establish what they described as systematic crimes aimed at suppressing the uprising. A total of 54 prosecution witnesses, including relatives of victims, political leaders, and journalists, testified.

On June 17, the tribunal issued notices ordering Hasina and Kamal to surrender by June 24, warning that the trial would proceed in absentia. Investigators earlier reported that both accused had fled to India.

Charges were framed on July 10, based on a probe report submitted on May 12 that accused Hasina, Kamal, and Al-Mamun of mass killings and crimes against humanity.