Uprising-time crime-against-humanity trial verdict in the main case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two of her top aides will be delivered on November 17 (Monday).
The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) in Dhaka Thursday set the date, amid unassailable security bulwark as Sheikh Hasina's activity-proscribed Awami League party covertly called 'Dhaka lockdown'.
The three-member bench of the tribunal, headed by its Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, fixed the judgment date in the case filed on charges of "crime against humanity" committed during the July-August 2024 mass uprising.
Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector- General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, who later became approver, are also accused in the case.
Earlier on October 23 this year, the ICT-1 concluded the trial proceedings in the case after hearing the closing arguments and counter-arguments from both sides, prosecution and state-appointed defence counsel, and set November 13 to fix judgment date.
Court proceedings over, Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam said, "We made a solemn pledge that, regardless of a person's power or position, anyone who commits crimes or crimes against humanity in Bangladesh will be brought to justice through due process.
"We have come a long way on this journey, and now we stand at its final stage. We trust that the tribunal will exercise its discretion and wisdom to deliver justice in accordance with the nation's deep desire and enduring demand for accountability."
The state-appointed defence counsel for the fugitive ex-premier and the ex-home minister, Amir Hossain, said, "I hope my clients will be acquitted of the charges brought against them in this case."
During the last day of trial proceedings, the tribunal stated, "Let justice be done. This trial will be fair, transparent, and beyond question… We want to affirm that justice will be ensured at any cost."
Attorney-General Md Asaduzzaman said, "If we fail to try these crimes, we, the people of Bangladesh, will stand as the very embodiment of cowardice."
The chief law officer also demanded the highest punishment for Hasina and Kamal.
The Hasina regime came to an end on August 5 last year amid a mass uprising led by students and the general public.
During the upheavals, Hasina's government used extensive force to suppress the movement, and allegations of widespread crimes against humanity were later brought against her and several of her top aides.
In addition, several other crimes against humanity, including abductions, enforced disappearances, and the killing of opposition political leaders and activists during her long rule from 2009 to 2024, were also brought against her.
The Interim Government later decided to try those allegations in the International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka and, to that end, amended the relevant law.
On August 14 last year, a complaint was submitted with the ICT against the former Prime Minister on charges of committing crime against humanity.
Investigation Officer started the investigation on October 14 in 2024 and submitted the report to the Chief Prosecutor office on May 12 this year, against these three.
The Chief Prosecutor submitted the formal charges against the accused on July 1 this year, and the tribunal framed charges against them on July 10, showing Hasina and Kamal absconding as they didn't appear before it even after publishing public notice.
Hasina, Kamal and Mamun were indicted on five counts of charges, including one of superior command responsibility.
The Chief Prosecutor gave opening statement on August 3 this year. Thereafter, a total of 54 witnesses gave their deposition in the case in 28 working days. Amar Desh Editor Mahmudur Rahman and NCP Convener Nahid Islam were among the witnesses.
Former IGP Chowdhury Mamun also submitted his deposition as an approver in the case.
The recording of depositions ended on October 8 and arguments and counter- argumentation continued from October 12 to 23.
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