The verdict in the case filed against Sheikh Hasina for crimes against humanity committed during the July-August uprising will be announced today. The three-member International Crimes Tribunal-1, headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder, will announce the verdict in the case. The other two members of this tribunal are Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Md. Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

The verdict will be broadcast live from the courtroom of Tribunal-1. This is the first case filed in connection with crimes against humanity, including murders during the uprising, for which the verdict will be announced today. Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam told reporters. Earlier, the court had fixed the verdict date for this case on Thursday (November 13).

Earlier, on October 23, after Attorney General Asaduzzaman's closing statement, Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder kept the case pending for verdict. Following that, the verdict date was fixed.

Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun are also accused in the case along with Sheikh Hasina. Among them, Mamun has confessed to the crime and has given his statement as a witness.

After the court set the date for the verdict, Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam told reporters, "We promised that whoever in Bangladesh, no matter how powerful, commits a crime, a crime against humanity, they will be brought to justice through proper means."

He further said, "Now on November 17, the court will exercise its discretion, its wisdom, and they will deliver justice to the justice that this nation fears and thirsts for, through a correct verdict. We expect that this verdict will, God willing, be an example for the future of Bangladesh, such a verdict."

Tajul Islam said, "We have prayed to the court for the maximum punishment. The court will exercise its discretion and we pray that the accused be given the maximum punishment for this crime."

On the other hand, state-appointed lawyer Amir Hossain, representing Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, said he has presented his best arguments even in the absence of his clients. He hopes the tribunal will acquit his clients.

The lawyer said, "I did not feel any discomfort during the trial. No one hindered me, I tried my best within my limitations. The assistance required for conducting the case, such as documents, was provided to me by the state as per the law. I had to work in the light of the documents I received."

The International Crimes Tribunal was reconstituted after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024. The reconstituted tribunal first filed a case against Sheikh Hasina for crimes against humanity during the July uprising. The trial of the reconstituted tribunal began on October 17 last year. On the same day, the tribunal issued an arrest warrant against Sheikh Hasina in this case.

On March 16 this year, the prosecution requested to make former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun an accused in the case. Later, the tribunal agreed to it. The tribunal's investigation agency submitted the investigation report to the Chief Prosecutor's Office on May 12 this year. And the prosecution filed a formal complaint with the tribunal against Sheikh Hasina and three accused on June 1.