Bangladesh Court to Announce Verdict Date in Sheikh Hasina Case Amid Heightened Security Concerns

The Bangladesh Awami League has declared a nationwide dawn-to-dusk lockdown scheduled for Thursday.

Dhaka:

On Thursday, November 13, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh will reveal the date for delivering its verdict in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who faces charges of crimes against humanity, including murder, during last year's July uprising.

Bangladesh has been placed on high alert as tensions continue to rise ahead of this announcement. Security measures have been intensified with army and police forces deployed at airports and strategic installations across the country.

The Bangladesh Awami League has called for a nationwide dawn-to-dusk lockdown on Thursday, urging citizens from all segments of society to participate in this program.

With the Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus-led interim government having prohibited all activities of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations, party leaders have resorted to announcing their programs through social media from undisclosed locations. They continue to campaign actively online.

Over the past 48 hours, incidents of vehicle arson and crude bomb (cocktail) explosions have been reported throughout various regions of Bangladesh, including the capital city of Dhaka.

Supporters of the Awami League have been organizing flash rallies nationwide. In response, police have initiated operations across the country to apprehend party leaders and activists, while security forces have established checkpoints and implemented vehicle searches on major roadways.

The government of Sheikh Hasina was overthrown during a student-led uprising in July 2024. On August 5, 2024, the former Prime Minister sought refuge in India. Following these events, an interim government was established under Muhammad Yunus's leadership. According to United Nations reporting, approximately 1,400 people may have perished during the July protests.

The International Crimes Tribunal was originally established during Sheikh Hasina's administration to prosecute crimes against humanity committed during Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War against Pakistan. During Hasina's tenure, several Jamaat-e-Islami leaders were tried by this tribunal for war crimes.

The current interim government has now initiated legal proceedings against Sheikh Hasina in the same tribunal, following amendments to its legal framework. With testimonies in the case now complete, the tribunal is prepared to announce on Thursday when it will deliver its verdict against the former Prime Minister.