The prosecution has sought the death penalty for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal in the case over crimes against humanity committed during the July–August Movement.
After five consecutive days of arguments, Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam made the plea on Thursday (October 16) before International Crimes Tribunal-1, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder.
Tajul Islam told the tribunal,
“In the July uprising, 1,400 people were killed. If one death warrants one execution, Sheikh Hasina deserves to be hanged 1,400 times. Since the law does not allow that, we are seeking the maximum punishment—death penalty—for her. Only then will the people of this country get justice.”
He added that after fleeing Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina continued to issue threats from India, warning to eliminate protesters and burn the homes of those seeking justice. “This clearly shows she has no remorse for the crimes and has acted like a hardened criminal,” he said.
Regarding Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, the Chief Prosecutor stated:
“He was a member of the so-called ‘Gang of Four’. The killings were planned at his residence. He personally visited the ground to ensure that the murders were being carried out properly. He even approved the use of drones and aerial weapons from helicopters. Hence, we have also sought the death penalty for him.”
As for former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who testified as a prosecution witness, Tajul Islam said that since he assisted the court in uncovering the truth, his punishment should be left to the tribunal’s discretion.
The prosecution also appealed for compensation to the families of the victims from the assets of the accused, noting that many victims were the sole breadwinners of their families.
A total of 54 witnesses testified in the case over 28 hearing days. On July 10, the tribunal formally framed charges against Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, beginning the trial.
The prosecution brought five charges of crimes against humanity, including mass killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and planned murder.
The formal charge sheet comprises 8,747 pages, including 2,018 pages of sources, 4,005 pages of documentary evidence, and 2,724 pages listing the victims.
Source: International Crimes Tribunal and Prosecution Briefing.