The International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July–August genocide and mass uprising. Former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun—who confessed and testified as a state witness—was sentenced to five years. This is the first verdict delivered by the reconstituted tribunal since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024.
Justice Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury began reading the 453-page judgment at 12:40 pm. The tribunal found three charges against Hasina proven: one carrying life imprisonment and two carrying the death penalty. Prosecutors argued she acted as the “mastermind,” ordering violence against protesters between 2009 and 2024. Asaduzzaman Khan and Mamun were added as co-accused in March; Mamun was the only one in custody and testified as an approver.
The tribunal’s first case after reconstitution centered on five charges: making provocative statements; ordering the killing of protesters using helicopters, drones, and lethal weapons; incitement and conspiracy in the murder of Abu Said of Begum Rokeya University; the shooting deaths of six people in Chankharpul on August 5; and the burning deaths of six people in Ashulia. Evidence included audio and video of Hasina’s conversations, media reports, and seized bullets.
A total of 54 witnesses—survivors, injured protesters, eyewitnesses, and doctors—testified. Closing arguments ended on October 23, when the prosecution demanded the death penalty for Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan. Today’s ruling marks the first crimes against humanity verdict related to the July uprising.
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