Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
The trial proceedings in the crimes-against- humanity case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others concluded on Thursday. The date for delivering the verdict will be fixed on November 13.
The other two individuals involved are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun. Mamun has turned approver after confessing his role.
A three-member bench of the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) in Dhaka announced the conclusion of the proceedings after hearing the closing arguments and counter-arguments presented by both the prosecution and the state-appointed defense counsel.
The tribunal, headed by its Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, has set November 13 this year to fix a date to deliver judgment in the case, filed on charges of crimes against humanity committed during the July-August 2024 mass uprising.
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."
During Thursday's hearing, Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman cited examples of trial proceedings for crimes against humanity in which several prominent political leaders from around the world had faced prosecution.
He added that if we fail to try these crimes, we, the people of Bangladesh, will stand as the very embodiment of cowardice.
At the end of his statement, the Attorney General demanded the highest punishment for Hasina and Kamal.
Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam said, "The evidence we have presented is as solid as the Himalayas and as clear as crystal. If this evidence were placed before any court of law in the world, the guilt of these criminals would be unmistakably proven."
He also demanded the highest punishment for Hasina and Kamal.
Meanwhile, during the arguments, Advocate Md Amir Hossain, the state-appointed counsel for the two absconding accused, Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, claimed that his clients are innocent and sought their acquittal.
Jayed Bin Amjad, the lawyer representing former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun who has pleaded guilty and turned approver in the case, also sought acquittal for his client.
Hasina's regime came to an end on August 5 last year in the face of a mass uprising led by students and people. Later on August 14, a complaint was submitted with the ICT against the former Prime Minister on charges of committing crimes against humanity.
The Investigation Officer started the investigation on October 14, 2024, and submitted the report to the Chief Prosecutor's office on May 12 this year, within six months and 28 days, against these three, including Sheikh Hasina.
The Chief Prosecutor submitted the former charge against the accused on July 1 this year, and the tribunal framed charges against them on July 10, showing Hasina and Kamal as absconding as they didn't appear before it even after publishing a public notice.
Five charges, including one of superior command responsibility, were brought against Hasina, Kamal, and Mamun.
The Chief Prosecutor gave an opening statement on August 3 this year. After that, a total of 54 witnesses gave their deposition in the case in 28 working days. Amar Desh Editor Mahmudur Rahman, NCP Convener Nahid Islam were among the witnesses.
Former IGP Chowdhury Mamun already gave his deposition as an approver in the case.
The recording of deposition ended on October 8, and arguments and counter-argumentation continued from October 12 to 23.
Other prosecutors, including Mizanul Islam and Gazi MH Tamim, also took part in the proceedings for the state.
bikashju@gmail.com