Prosecution lawyers appearing before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) today formally demanded the death penalty for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is being tried in absentia for her alleged role in mass killings during the student-led uprising of July and August 2024.
Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam stated outside the court that the former Prime Minister should face the highest punishment for crimes against humanity, including the failure to prevent murder, which resulted in an estimated toll of up to 1,400 deaths, according to United Nations figures. Mr. Islam alleged that Ms. Hasina, 78, was “the nucleus around whom all the crimes committed… revolved.”
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— South Asia Times (@_southasiatimes) March 3, 2025
The trial, which commenced on June 1, has entered its final stages. Ms. Hasina remains a fugitive in India and continues to defy court orders, refusing to recognize the authority of the tribunal.
The prosecution has filed five charges against her. Key evidence presented during the months-long proceedings included witness testimonies and verified audio tapes suggesting Ms. Hasina directly ordered security forces to “use lethal weapons” and “wherever they find (them), they will shoot” against protesters.
In addition to Ms. Hasina, the prosecution also demanded the death penalty for her former Interior Minister, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who is also a fugitive. Former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, a co-defendant, remains in custody and has pleaded guilty to charges.
The interim government is overseeing the conclusion of the trial as it steers the nation toward planned general elections in February.
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