Bangladesh tribunal to rule on Sheikh Hasina’s crimes today

Dhaka: Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is expected to announce its verdict today in the closely watched trial of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who faces charges of crimes against humanity, including murder, over her alleged role in the July 2024 uprising that brought down her government.

Strict security measures have been enforced around the tribunal, with limited access granted to media and the public during the proceedings.

The Bangladesh Awami League (AL), Hasina’s party, has announced a nationwide dawn-to-dusk lockdown in protest, urging citizens to “stand united in defence of democracy.” Party leaders have denounced the trial as politically motivated, accusing authorities of targeting Hasina to dismantle the AL’s influence.

In August, the tribunal rejected a petition by senior Supreme Court lawyer Z.I. Khan Panna to represent Hasina. Filed by lawyer Nazneen Nahar, the plea was dismissed during the testimony phase, with the tribunal stating it was too late to appoint new counsel. “The train has already left the station,” the bench remarked, as quoted by The Business Standard. Supreme Court lawyer Amir Hossain was previously appointed by the state to represent Hasina.

The charges stem from a student-led uprising in July 2024 that triggered weeks of violent protests and ultimately forced Hasina’s resignation. She fled to India on August 5, while an interim government was formed under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. A UN report estimates that over 1,400 people may have died during the unrest.

(Inputs from IANS)