DHAKA: International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh is set to deliver its verdict on Thursday in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who faces charges of crimes against humanity, including murder, linked to the July 2024 uprising that toppled her government.
The ICT has also imposed restrictions around the tribunal premises, with limited media and public access permitted during the session.
The Bangladesh Awami League (AL), Hasina’s party, has called for a nationwide dawn-to-dusk lockdown on Thursday in protest, urging citizens to “stand united in defence of democracy.” The party leadership has alleged a political vendetta behind the charges, claiming that the proceedings are aimed at silencing Hasina and dismantling the Awami League’s influence.
Earlier in August, the ICT had rejected an application by senior Supreme Court lawyer Z.I. Khan Panna to represent Sheikh Hasina in the case. The plea, filed by lawyer Nazneen Nahar on Panna’s behalf, sought to defend Hasina during the crimes against humanity trial. The tribunal dismissed the petition during the testimony stage, saying it was too late to appoint new counsel.