United News of Bangladesh

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Monday sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death in a case filed over crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July-August mass uprising. The three-member tribunal, headed by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder began delivering the verdict around 12:30pm unveiling a 453-page judgment. The tribunal found all three accused guilty of the charges brought against them. Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death on two counts of crimes against humanity. Asaduzzaman Khan was awarded the death penalty on one charge. Both of them tried in absentia. Hasina gets death penalty, jail unto death for crimes against humanity   Besides, former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who testified as a state witness in the case, was sentenced to five years in prison.The tribunal also ordered the authorities concerned to confiscate the property of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan.The court also asked the authorities concerned to take steps to provide adequate compensation from this property to the martyrs and injured victims of July-August movement in proportion to the extent of their losses.About the sentence handed down against Sheikh Hasina under the first charge, the tribunal said the former prime minister was responsible for instigating the crimes, ordering attacks on protesters and failing to act to prevent the offences or take punitive measures against those involved.She was found guilty of two offences under charge one and sentenced to imprisonment unto death.The tribunal said Sheikh Hasina was held responsible for two crimes under 2nd charge.One of the two offences is ordering use of helicopters and lethal weapons to suppress the July mass movement.By issuing this order, she committed offences under Sections 3(1)(ka), 3(2)(chha)(ja) and 4(1)(2)(3) of the International Crimes Tribunal Act, 1973, it said.The second offence concerns the killing of six people in Dhaka’s Chankharpul area on August 5 last year and the killing and burning of six others in Ashulia the same day as per her instructions.The tribunal said the court’s decision was that the only punishment for these crimes is the death penalty.The tribunal said two other convicts- Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun -- are equally responsible for the offences.Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal was sentenced to death for the offences, it said.Although Abdullah Al Mamun also deserves the maximum punishment, as he became a state witness and gave full and truthful testimony regarding the offences, the court showed leniency and sentenced him to five years in prison.He assisted the judicial process in reaching an accurate decision, said the tribunal.The tribunal also ordered that a copy of the verdict be sent to the Dhaka District Magistrate.As Sheikh Hasina and former minister Asaduzzaman Khan fled the country amid the massive movement on August 5 last year only former IGP Mamun was present at the dock during the delivery of the judgment. Bangladesh Television (BTV) telecast the verdict live and it was also shown via giant screen at 10 spots of the capital.Initially, Sheikh Hasina was the sole accused in the case.On March 16 this year, the prosecution appealed to include former IGP Mamun as an accused alongside Sheikh Hasina and the tribunal approved it.After the Awami League government was toppled on August 5, 2024, the ICT was reconstituted.The tribunal conducted its first hearing on October 17 last year, issuing an arrest warrant against Hasina that day.After extending the deadline several times, the tribunal’s investigation agency submitted its final probe report to the Chief Prosecutor’s Office on May 12 this year.On June 1, the prosecution formally filed charges against Sheikh Hasina and the two accused.The 5 charges are:• Inciting violence in a press conference at Ganabhaban on 14 July 2024;• Ordering the elimination of protestors using helicopters, drones, and lethal weapons;• Student Abu Sayed’s killing in shooting at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur;• The killing of six protestors at Chankharpul, Dhaka;• The burning of six people in Ashulia.The tribunal formally framed these charges on July 10.The day the charges were framed, Mamun confessed to the court his involvement in crimes against humanity during the uprising and became a state witness.Arguments in the case began on October 12 and concluded on October 23.Relatives of victims, including the father of martyr Abu Sayed, testified in the case, along with key witnesses including Nahid Islam, Convener of National Citizen Party (NCP) and Amar Desh editor Dr Mahmudur Rahman.In total, 54 witnesses testified during the trial. Ex-IGP Mamun gets 5-year jail term for crimes against humanity  

The government has deployed 14 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in Dhaka and adjoining districts to maintain law and order amid incidents of vehicle torching by miscreants. Shariful Islam, Public Relations Officer at the BGB headquarters, said on Wednesday morning (12th November 2025) that 12 platoons have been stationed in Dhaka, while the remaining two have been deployed in nearby districts of the capital. The paramilitary force has been positioned at key locations including Hotel Intercontinental, Dhanmondi-32, Airport, Abdullahpur, Kakrail, Shishu Academy, the High Court area, and Abrar Fahad Avenue. 3 buses set on fire in Gazipur Miscreants set fire to buses in Dhaka, Gazipur and other districts to create panic among the public, as the Awami League announced a ‘lockdown’ for November 13 ahead of the verdict dae to be set by the International Crimes Tribunal against Sheikh Hasina and others in a case involving crimes against humanity.

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2) on Sunday ordered the initiation of trial against former Information Minister and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasad) president Hasanul Haq Inu over six killings in Kushtia during last year’s uprising. A three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, framed eight charges of crimes against humanity against him. The court also set November 30 for the presentation of opening statements and witness testimonies in the case. On Sunday, the tribunal read out the eight charges against Inu and asked whether he pleaded guilty. In response, Inu asserted his innocence, following which the tribunal formally framed the charges and issued the trial order. Read more: Ex-minister Inu threatens police: ‘I will destroy your entire lineage’ The former minister was brought to the dock from the tribunal’s detention centre around 11:30 am and the prosecution read out the allegations in his presence. The court told him, “Eight charges have been brought against you. If you plead guilty, our work will end; otherwise, the trial will proceed.” Inu then responded, “I have heard a few charges but not all. However, it seems my request is not being considered.” Inu was charged with issuing the command to kill six people in Kushtia after communicating with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the uprising. Read more: Trial of July killings to be held at Speedy Trial Tribunals On October 23, the prosecution presented formal charges against him and requested the start of trial, prompting the tribunal to issue a production warrant to ensure his presence. On October 28, Inu’s lawyer, Monsurul Haq Chowdhury, argued that none of the allegations were true and sought dismissal of the case, urging the tribunal to examine the charges thoroughly. The prosecution, however, contended that Inu could not evade responsibility as a leader of the 14-party alliance. Inu was arrested on August 26 last year from Uttara in Dhaka and remains in prison facing multiple cases. Read more: Chankharpul killings: Tribunal orders protection for witness facing security threat

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Wednesday sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to six months in jail in a contempt of court case filed last year. This marks the first time since the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5 last year that a Bangladeshi court has sentenced her. The three-member tribunal, headed by ICT Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar, passed the order. In the same case, then Chhatra League leader of Gaibandha district, Shakil Akanda Bulbul, was sentenced to two months in jail. Although there is no precedent for appointing legal counsel for absconding accused in such cases, a state-appointed lawyer was engaged for Sheikh Hasina at government expense to ensure justice. ICT schedules July 1 for hearing to frame charges against Hasina, 2 others According to the case statement, Sheikh Hasina had a telephone conversation with Chhatra League leader Shakil on October 25 last year. In the audio clip, Sheikh Hasina was heard saying, “Got license of killing 227 people,” which the court deemed a direct threat to the judicial system. Later, the prosecution filed a case with the ICT.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 on Tuesday fixed July 1 for a hearing on charge framing against three accused, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a case relating to crimes against humanity linked to the July-August uprising. The three-member tribunal, led by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, passed the order following a scheduled hearing. Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abdullah Al Mamun, already arrested in the case, was produced before the court during the proceedings. Prosecutors Mizanul Islam and Gazi MH Tamim appeared on behalf of the state. The tribunal had earlier appointed defence lawyers for the accused. Court orders gazette notice for Hasina, 11 others in Purbachal forgery cases On June 1, the court took the allegations into cognisance and issued arrest warrants for Sheikh Hasina and former Home Affairs Adviser Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both of whom are currently absconding. On the same day, Al Mamun was shown arrested in connection with the case, while the court ordered summons to be issued for Hasina and Kamal to appear on June 16. Since both failed to appear on the scheduled date, the tribunal ordered public notices to be published in two national newspapers and set June 24 for the next hearing. In line with the schedule, Tuesday’s hearing was held and the tribunal issued its latest order.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Monday ordered the authorities concerned to issue public notices in two newspapers summoning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to appear before the court in a case over the July-August uprising. A three-member bench, led by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, passed the order after a hearing in this regard, said the ICT’s Chief Prosecutor Advocate Md Tajul Islam. He said the court ordered the notice be published in one Bengali and another English newspaper. Taking five charges into cognizance against the accused, including Sheikh Hasina, the court also set Jun 24 for the next hearing in the case. The court also reissued arrest warrants for those who are absconding. Earlier in the day, former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun was produced before the tribunal. BNP’s Salahuddin files disappearance charges against Hasina, 6 others with ICT Following the hearing, the court ordered the publication of summons for Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Kamal as they have been absconding. The chief prosecutor formally submitted the charges against Hasina, accusing her of responsibility for atrocities during the July-August pro-democracy uprising. According to the case statement, nearly 1500 people were killed during last year’s anti-government movement in the country. Amid intense protests on August 5 last year, then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country and took shelter in India. Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus later assumed power and restructured the tribunal to prosecute those accused of mass killings, with the first case filed against Hasina. ICT issues arrest warrant for Hasina, Asaduzzaman Following a six-month investigation, the tribunal’s agency submitted its final report on May 12 and formally presented it before the court on Sunday.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday submitted allegations of abduction and enforced disappearance against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and six others with the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). Salahuddin arrived at the ICT around 11:15am with a BNP-backed lawyers’ team led by Legal Affairs Secretary Barrister Kayser Kamal. Later, they handed over the copy of allegations to Chief Prosecutor of the ICT Advocate Md Tajul Islam. The accused include former Inspector General of Police (IGPs) Benazir Ahmed, Shahidul Haque, former Special Branch (SB) Chief Monirul Islam, former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia, and retired army officer Ziaul Ahsan. ICT issues arrest warrant for Hasina, Asaduzzaman Speaking to the media, Salahuddin said, “The nation demands justice. Not only for incidents in July-August, but all killings, disappearances, and torture during the previous regime must be addressed. This is the BNP’s commitment.” He urged the victims of forced disappearance and extrajudicial killings under the ‘fascist regime’ to file complaints and called on the government to increase logistical support to the tribunal to ensure justice. On October 15 last, Salahuddin filed his own disappearance complaint. He had gone missing from Uttara on March 10, 2015 and was found in Shillong of India on May 11 of the same year. ICT prosecutors, investigation officers empowered to arrest without warrant   Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5 last, he returned home on August 11.

The government has issued a gazette notification banning all activities of the Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliated organisations under the Anti-Terrorism Act until the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) completes the trial of the party’s leaders and activists. The Public Security Division of the Home Ministry issued the gazette notification on Monday. According to the notification, all activities of the Awami League and its affiliated and like-minded organisations are prohibited until the ICT concludes the trial against their leaders and activists. The notification states that any form of publication, media engagement, online and social media campaigns, rallies, meetings, assemblies, and conferences organised by the Awami League or any of its affiliated bodies are strictly prohibited. BNP happy with ban on Awami League activities Earlier, in a special meeting, the Council of Advisers decided to ban all activities of the Awami League — including in cyberspace — under the Anti-Terrorism Act until the conclusion of the trial by the International Crimes Tribunal. Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul made the announcement while briefing reporters in front of the State Guest House Jamuna on Saturday, 10 May. He stated that the decision was taken to safeguard the country’s security and sovereignty, ensure the safety of the leaders and activists of the July movement, and protect the plaintiffs and witnesses involved in the tribunal proceedings. The meeting also approved an amendment to the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act. As per the amendment, the International Crimes Tribunals will have the authority to prosecute and punish any political party, its affiliates, or associated groups, Dr Nazrul added. Besides, the Council of Advisers decided to finalise and publish the July Declaration within the next 30 working days. Govt okays draft of ordinance to ban activities of people or entities involved in terrorism Earlier, on May 9, the government announced its plan to immediately amend the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act to incorporate provisions for the trial of associations and political parties linked to crimes against humanity.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Tuesday ordered the authorities concerned to submit probe reports by April 20 in two cases over the mass killing during the July uprising against Sheikh Hasina and 45 others.   A three-member bench, led by its Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, passed the order after the prosecution submitted a petition seeking more time to complete the investigation, said court’s chief prosecutor Md Tajul Islam.   Earlier on 17 December last year, the court issued a warrant for the arrest of former premier Hasina, former minister Obaidul Quader and 44 others in the cases. The court also ordered the investigation agency to complete the probe and submit a report within two months, which ended today (Tuesday). The other accused include former ministers Anisul Huq, Faruk Khan, Dipu Moni, Abdur Razzaque, Shahjahan Khan, Amir Hossain Amu and Qamrul Islam. DB arrests ex-health secretary Jahangir Alam Advocate Tajul Islam hoped that they would be able to submit the probe report within the deadline. Following the fall of Awami League, at least 60 cases or complaints of enforced disappearances, killings, genocide and crimes against humanity were lodged at the International Crimes Tribunal, accusing Sheikh Hasina, leaders of the Awami League and 14 party alliance and senior officials of different law enforcement agencies. The allegations brought against the accused include murder and attempt to murder, disappearance, and other crimes.

BNP has lodged a complaint with the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) over the killing of its 848 leaders and activists during the Awami League government’s tenure. Salauddin Khan, coordinator of the BNP's case data information cell, on behalf of party’s secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, lodged the complaint with the ICT Chief Prosecutor’s office on Thursday. Deposed PM Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan, former law minister Anisul Haq, former IGP Abdullah Al Mamun and former Director General of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) were accused in the complaint. Sheikh Hasina was made the main accused in the complaint. Besides, 84 cases were filed by BNP with evidence. BNP urges India to return Hasina for trial over mass killings According to the complaint, 848 leaders and activists were brutally killed during July 1 to August 5, and the crime was committed for destroying political parties like the BNP. BNP also submitted the document of ‘FIR’ images of newspapers, audio and video footage and demanded justice. Earlier, on January 9, BNP lodged two complaints with the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) alleging killings of its 2276 leaders and activists in ‘crossfires’ and 153 others disappeared across the country from 2008 to August 5, 2024. Acting British high commissioner meets Fakhrul Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was made the main accused in the case and some members of law enforcement agencies were also named in the complaint.