The verdict in the war crimes case filed against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others over alleged crimes against humanity committed in July–August will be delivered tomorrow, Monday (17 November). The verdict will be broadcast live on Bangladesh Television (BTV) and on the official Facebook page of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam confirmed the matter to the media.On Thursday (13 November), the three-member bench of the International Crimes Tribunal-1, headed by Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, set the date for announcing the verdict. The other members of the panel are Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

The three accused in the case are:

• ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,

• former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal,

• former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.

Former IGP Mamun has already given a confessional statement as an approver (state witness). Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan remain absconding, while Abdullah Al-Mamun is currently in custody.

The prosecution and defence completed their arguments on 23 October, after five days of submissions by the prosecution and three days by the defence. In this widely discussed case, the prosecution has brought five charges and sought the maximum punishment for Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan. Court-appointed defence lawyers, however, have argued that the accused are innocent and have appealed for their acquittal. Acquittal has also been sought for state witness Abdullah Al-Mamun.

The prosecution team included Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, Prosecutor Mizanul Islam, and Gazi M.H. Tamim, with additional prosecutors BM Sultan Mahmud, Shaikh Mahdi, Abdus Sattar Palowan, and others present during the hearings.

State-appointed lawyer Md. Amir Hossain represented Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan, while lawyer Zayed Bin Amjad appeared for approver Abdullah Al-Mamun.

Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam responded to several arguments raised by the defence. Meanwhile, Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman, serving as the state’s chief legal officer, appealed for the maximum punishment for the accused to ensure justice.