Dhaka, Nov 17 (V7N) – The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has sentenced ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising last year. Former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, a royal witness in the case, has been sentenced to five years in prison.

The verdict, announced on Monday (November 17) by a three-member tribunal led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, with Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Md. Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, also ordered the seizure of properties belonging to Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Kamal, to be distributed to the July martyrs.

The court stated that crimes against humanity have been proven against all three accused and noted that Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun’s offenses warrant the highest punishment. The absconding of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Kamal was cited as evidence of their culpability.

Following the announcement, public celebrations erupted outside the tribunal. Political leaders expressed satisfaction, and Dhaka University students cheered and distributed sweets, with similar celebrations observed in Dhanmondi No. 32.

Prosecutor Gazi Monwar noted that the absconding accused cannot appeal the verdict unless they surrender or are apprehended, as per the Tribunal Act, which requires an appeal to be filed within 30 days of the verdict.

Earlier, on June 1, the prosecution filed a formal complaint against Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, bringing five charges including ordering lethal force against protesters and involvement in killings and arson during the uprising.

END/SMA/AJ