Full Verdict on the July Mass Killings in Bangladesh Published Death Sentences for Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal

By Dhaka Correspondent, Mahbub Hasan Tutul-Bangladesh

The International Crimes Tribunal has published the full copy of its verdict against three convicts, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who were sentenced to death in cases related to the July–August mass killings and crimes against humanity in Bangladesh.

On Tuesday (13 January), the 457-page verdict was released on the official website of the International Crimes Tribunal.

On 17 November, a three-member judicial panel of Tribunal-1, led by Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mazumder, delivered the verdict sentencing Sheikh Hasina and former Home Affairs Adviser Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to life imprisonment along with the death penalty by hanging.

Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment after turning state witness. The verdict also ordered the confiscation of all properties of the convicted persons and directed that these be distributed among those affected by the July incidents.
The full verdict describes the crimes under two specific categories based on five charges brought against the accused.
Charge 1 (Incitement and Provocation): On 14 July 2024, during a press conference at Ganabhaban, Sheikh Hasina made provocative remarks by referring to protesters as “Razakars.” Additionally, in conversations between Sheikh Hasina and the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, evidence was found of instructions and incitement to execute protesters. As a consequence, police shot and killed Abu Sayeed in Rangpur district. For this charge, Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Kamal were sentenced to life imprisonment.

Charge 2 (Direct Orders to Kill): On 18 July, in conversations involving Sheikh Hasina, former mayor Fazle Noor Taposh, and Hasanul Haq Inu, evidence was found of issuing orders to carry out killings using helicopters and lethal weapons after identifying locations through drones. As a result, six people were killed in Chankharpul on 5 August and another six in Ashulia, followed by the burning of the bodies. For this crime, Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Kamal were sentenced to death by hanging.

The court clearly stated in its verdict that all movable and immovable properties of the convicted persons within the country would be confiscated by the government, and directed that the proceeds and assets be distributed among those affected by the July movement.