Bangladesh Prepares for Sheikh Hasina Verdict: Security Tightened as Tribunal Set to Rule on Crimes Against Humanity Charges

Sheikh Hasina's supporters maintain that the charges against her are politically motivated. (File)

Bangladesh has heightened security measures nationwide, with police in Dhaka instructed to shoot violent protesters ahead of a special tribunal's verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The case concerns alleged crimes against humanity, with prosecutors reiterating their request for the death penalty.

The International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh (ICT-BD) is scheduled to announce its verdict on Monday against the 78-year-old Hasina, who is being tried in absentia. Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim told reporters, "We have sought the highest possible sentence for Hasina. We've also requested seizure of the convicts' property to be distributed among families of the martyrs and injured victims from last year's protests."

Under ICT-BD law, Hasina would be unable to challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court's Appellate Division unless she surrenders or is arrested within 30 days after the judgment is delivered.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel have been deployed in four districts, including Dhaka, following violent incidents such as fires and crude bomb explosions connected to the impending verdict. Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that "law enforcement agencies have already completed their necessary preparations" to prevent unrest across the country.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali has ordered officers to shoot violent protesters, saying, "I stated over the wireless that anyone who sets a bus on fire or throws crude bombs with intent to kill should be shot. This authority is clearly provided in our law."

Hasina, her former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and then Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun face accusations of crimes against humanity allegedly committed during anti-government protests last year. The charges include murder, attempted murder, torture, and other inhumane acts. While Hasina and Kamal are being tried in absentia and declared fugitives, Mamun has become a state witness.

A February 2025 UN rights office report states that up to 1,400 people were killed between July 15 and August 15 last year during what's called the 'July Uprising' when Hasina's government ordered a security crackdown on protesters. Following widespread demonstrations against her government's controversial job quota system, Hasina fled to India on August 5, 2024. Three days later, Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of the interim government.

ICT-BD chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, demanding the death penalty for Hasina, alleges she was the "mastermind and principal architect" behind the crimes against humanity during the 2024 mass protests. On Saturday, he stated, "We prayed for the maximum punishment. The court will exercise its discretion, and we hope the accused are given the highest possible sentence."

Home Affairs Adviser Chowdhury has emphasized that whatever verdict is delivered "will be executed." The prosecution team announced that the ICT-BD proceedings will be broadcast live on state-run BTV and shown on large screens at several locations in Dhaka, as well as streamed on the tribunal's official Facebook page, though only parts of the judgment will be aired "subject to final approval."

The BGB headquarters confirmed deployments in Dhaka, Gopalganj, Faridpur, and Madaripur to "ensure overall security and maintain law and order." Additionally, the Supreme Court has requested army troops to strengthen security around the ICT-BD ahead of the verdict.

Hasina's now-disbanded Awami League party announced a "Dhaka lockdown" campaign last week, coinciding with the day the ICT-BD set the date for delivering its judgment. Since then, a series of clandestine attacks has occurred, including crude bomb explosions at the entrance of the Grameen Bank headquarters founded by interim government chief Muhammad Yunus.

In recent days, arson and crude bomb attacks have targeted public transport and institutions linked to the chief adviser and other officials, creating public anxiety. While no casualties were reported, police have arrested 18 Awami League activists.

The tribunal concluded hearing the case on October 23 after 28 working days, during which 54 witnesses testified about efforts to suppress last year's student-led movement. While the interim government has sought Hasina's extradition, India has not yet responded to the request.

In recent interviews with international news outlets, Hasina has called the ICT-BD a "kangaroo court" operated by individuals linked to her political opponents. UK-based law firm Doughty House Chambers has submitted an "urgent appeal" to the United Nations, arguing that Hasina is being tried in "an environment charged with political vengeance, under an unelected interim government with no democratic mandate."

Last month, the Awami League filed a petition with the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing Yunus' administration of crimes against humanity, including killings and arbitrary arrests of its members.

The ICT-BD was originally established in 2010 during Hasina's rule to try collaborators of Pakistani forces from the 1971 Liberation War. Notably, Tajul Islam, now the chief prosecutor against Hasina, previously defended the accused when the tribunal was first active. The tribunal's operations were later suspended until the interim government led by Yunus amended the ICT-BD law to allow trials of leaders from the previous regime.