In the case concerning crimes against humanity committed during the July–August period around the anti-discrimination student movement, a verdict will be delivered on November 13 against the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and two other accused.
On Thursday (October 23), the International Crimes Tribunal-1, headed by Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, set the date for the verdict.
On the prosecution side, Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam and Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman delivered their closing arguments. Other members of the prosecution present included Mizanul Islam, Gazi M.H. Tamim, Faruq Ahmad, Moinul Karim, and Sultan Mahmud.
Among the accused, former Police IG Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun confessed to the charges and became a state witness. The prosecution stated that his statement provided a “true and full disclosure.”
Since Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal did not appoint lawyers, the tribunal appointed Md. Amir Hossain as their defense attorney. During the arguments, he stated that the movement was legitimate while it was focused on quota reform, but the movement aimed at toppling the government was illegal. He further claimed that no crime was proven against Hasina and Kamal and requested their acquittal.
Political circles and the public are closely watching this highly publicized case for the upcoming verdict.