A tense atmosphere pervades Bangladesh as a special tribunal prepares to issue a verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with the decision expected within the next 24 hours. The current interim government, headed by Muhammad Yunus, has controversially pushed for the death penalty for the 78-year-old leader. Allegations leveled against her include severe crimes against humanity, purportedly committed during last year’s significant anti-government demonstrations. In response to the impending ruling, security agencies across the nation have been mobilized and placed on high alert, anticipating potential public disorder and widespread instability. The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) will announce its findings on charges related to the ‘July Revolt’ of 2023, a period of intense protests that ultimately led to the ousting of Hasina’s Awami League administration. Beyond Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun are also implicated in multiple cases, facing accusations of murder, attempted murder, and torture during the suppression of protests. Hasina and Kamal are being tried in absentia as fugitives, with Hasina believed to be in India. Al-Mamun’s role has shifted to that of a state witness. The chief prosecutor has formally requested the death penalty for Hasina, arguing she was the principal architect of the violent crackdown, which a UN report previously suggested resulted in numerous fatalities. Supporters of Hasina claim the legal proceedings are politically driven, aimed at silencing her opposition. The extradition request sent to India for Hasina has not yet received a response, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. The country awaits a judgment that could significantly shape its political future.
