Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity during the July mass uprising, receiving death in two charges and life imprisonment in a third. Former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal was also given the death penalty.
While the court confirmed the guilt of Hasina and the other two accused, questions have arisen over when the sentences for the absconding Hasina and Kamal will be enforced.
Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman clarified that the death penalties will take effect once the fugitives are apprehended.
In a post-verdict briefing, the Attorney General explained that two of the accused were handed the maximum punishment of death, while former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, who acted as a prosecution witness, was sentenced to five years in prison in consideration of his cooperation.
He further noted that Hasina was sentenced in three of the five charges filed against her, describing the ruling as “historic” and a milestone for justice and the rule of law in Bangladesh.
During the trial, the prosecution had repeatedly claimed that Hasina acted as the mastermind and supreme commander of the crimes committed during the uprising. Apart from Hasina, the other two accused are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, the only apprehended defendant who testified as an approver
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Meanwhile, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said on Monday that the government will once again write to India seeking Sheikh Hasina’s extradition. He expressed hope that the next elected government would uphold this solemn responsibility and continue the trial process without hesitation.
