Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Mohammad Tajul Islam branded former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as “the nucleus of all crimes” related to the July mass uprising.
Tajul Islam’s remarks came as he presented his opening arguments at the International Crimes Tribunal-1 in the highly anticipated trial concerning crimes against humanity allegedly committed by Hasina and her associates during the 2024 July uprising. He went on to accuse Hasina of playing a central role in orchestrating atrocities against her political opponents and the masses during the uprising.
In a separate but equally forceful statement, Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman condemned Hasina as “the worst tyrant in world history,” insisting that the former leader be given the maximum punishment for her role in the alleged crimes.
“If there were an association of the world’s dictators, Sheikh Hasina would undoubtedly be its president,” he remarked. “She is the most deceitful dictator and a fallen despot, from whom even tyrants could learn the art of lying,” Asaduzzaman continued, adding weight to his demand for the highest penalty.
The tribunal is currently deliberating on charges against Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Al-Mamun, who has confessed and turned state witness, is expected to play a pivotal role in the ongoing trial.
The charges being addressed by the tribunal include five distinct counts of crimes against humanity. These proceedings, which are being broadcast live, are presided over by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mojumder, with Justices Md. Shofiul Alam Mahmud and Md. Mohammod Mohitul Haque serving as members.
As the trial unfolds, tensions remain high over the significance of this case, which has garnered both national and international attention. The fuprisingsof those affected by the 2024 uprising are watching closely as justice is sought for the alleged victims of the government’s actions.
On July 10, ICT-1 framed charges against Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and ex-IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, ordering the trial to proceed. The tribunal also approved Mamun’s request to testify as an approver (a confessing witness assisting the prosecution). The court scheduled August 3 for the opening statement and August 4 for witness testimonies.
Earlier, on June 16, ICT-1 ordered fugitives Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Kamal to surrender through notices in Bengali and English newspapers.
Despite the notices, they neither appeared in court, leading the tribunal to proceed with framing charges through state-appointed lawyers. The case, filed on June 1, accuses Hasina, Kamal, and Mamun of five counts of crimes against humanity during the suppression of the student-led uprising.
The trials are part of broader efforts to hold perpetrators accountable for atrocities committed during the political unrest.