The grounds of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal carried an unusual sense of gravity and anticipation on Monday morning. Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdho, brother of Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho—killed during the July mass uprising—arrived early, joined by Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadik Kayem, Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, and several survivors wounded during the uprising.
The tribunal is set to deliver its verdict today in the first war-crimes case stemming from the July uprising, which saw widespread violence and killings. Three individuals stand accused: ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman are currently in India and considered fugitives.
Security has been tightened throughout the tribunal premises ahead of the announcement. The three-member bench of Tribunal-1, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, is expected to broadcast the verdict live.
As dawn broke, survivors, activists, and families of the victims gathered quietly around the tribunal—waiting, watching, and hoping for long-delayed justice for the violence of the July uprising.