Bangladesh on High Alert as Tribunal Prepares Hasina Verdict
Bangladesh has intensified security nationwide ahead of Monday’s verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with police in Dhaka ordered to shoot violent protesters. Prosecutors have sought the death penalty for the 78-year-old leader over alleged crimes against humanity.
Key Security Measures
- Border Guard Bangladesh deployed in Dhaka, Gopalganj, Faridpur, and Madaripur
- Dhaka police authorized to use lethal force against violent protesters
- Supreme Court requests army deployment around tribunal premises
- Recent wave of arson and crude bomb attacks heightens tensions
The Case Against Hasina
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) will deliver its verdict against Hasina, who was tried in absentia along with her former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. The court has declared both fugitives.
“We have sought the highest possible sentence for Hasina. Additionally, we requested seizure of the convicts’ property to be distributed among families of the martyrs and injured victims,” said ICT-BD prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim.
The case involves five counts of crimes against humanity allegedly committed during anti-government protests last year, including murder, attempted murder, and torture.
Political Context and International Reaction
Hasina’s supporters maintain the charges are politically motivated. According to a UN report, up to 1,400 people were killed during the ‘July Uprising’ last year when Hasina’s government cracked down on protesters.
Following widespread protests over a controversial job quota system, Hasina fled to India on August 5, 2024. Muhammad Yunus subsequently took over as chief adviser of the interim government.
In recent interviews, Hasina called the ICT-BD a “kangaroo court” run by her political opponents. The UK-based Doughty House Chambers has submitted an urgent appeal to the UN, calling the trial politically motivated.
Verdict Proceedings
The verdict will be broadcast live on state-run BTV and streamed on the tribunal’s Facebook page, though only parts will be aired subject to court approval. The tribunal concluded hearings on October 23 after 54 witnesses testified.
The interim government has sought Hasina’s extradition from India, which has yet to respond to the request.
