Sheikh Hasina Trial Update: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been found guilty and sentenced to death by the International Crime Tribunal (ICT). When the proceedings of the International Crime Tribunal started, it was believed that the former PM of Bangladesh might get a shock from the court. The tribunal accepted that Sheikh Hasina had ordered the bomb attack. The court said in its order that after looking at all the evidence, it has been found that Sheikh Hasina has committed a crime against humanity. The court held Sheikh Hasina responsible for the deaths of a large number of protesters.
Justice Mohammad Shafiul Alam Mahmood and Justice Mohammad Mohitul Haq Enam Chaudhary were present in this hearing under the leadership of Justice Ghulam Murtaza. The court pronounced its 400-page verdict in six parts.
These allegations have been leveled against Sheikh Hasina
The International Crimes Tribunal made the charges public during proceedings on Monday, citing a July 14 press conference that accused Hasina of making objectionable statements against freedom fighters and descendants of Razakars. Along with this, phone calls have also been mentioned, in which Hasina is accused of giving instructions like hang the protesters. Sheikh Hasina is also accused of giving permission to use helicopters, drones and lethal weapons during the student movement last year. Along with this, security agencies were also ordered to arrest, torture and kill the protesters.
The tribunal decided these charges
The tribunal framed five main charges against Sheikh Hasina in its decision. These include the alleged murder of student leader Abu Syed, ordering the burning of bodies in Ashulia to destroy evidence, planning and directing the mass killing of protesters in Dhaka, authorizing the use of helicopters and drones to fire on civilian groups, and overseeing coordinated attacks on protesters in Chankharpul.
Sheikh Hasina called the allegations wrong
The tribunal also told what evidence was found against Sheikh Hasina. After reading all the allegations it was kept on record. Sheikh Hasina was not present in the court during the hearing of this case because she had fled to India during the violence and is taking shelter here. Hasina has given clarification on all the allegations against her and has said that she is not concerned about the tribunal’s decision.