Bangladesh has reached a turning point as the special tribunal begins reading the verdict in the high-profile case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The proceedings, closely watched worldwide, focus on allegations of deadly crackdowns, misuse of military equipment, and attempts to destroy evidence. With political tension rising and security forces on alert, the country awaits a historic judgment.
Sheikh Hasina Verdict: Reading Begins in High-Profile Trial
The special tribunal in Bangladesh has officially begun reading its verdict in the case filed against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She faces five major charges that prosecutors classify as “crimes against humanity.” The case has gained global attention due to the scale of violence alleged and the extensive evidence presented.
What Are the Five Serious Charges Against Hasina?
Prosecutors filed five key charges against Sheikh Hasina. These include;
- Orchestrating mass killings of protesters in Dhaka,
- Using helicopters and drones to fire on civilian crowds.
- Murder of student activist Abu Sayed.
- Oversaw the burning of bodies in Ashulia to destroy evidence.
- Coordinated the killing of demonstrators in the Chankharpul area.
Sheikh Hasina Verdict Time: 10,000 Pages of Evidence Collected Against Sheikh Hasina
This case represents one of the most detailed investigations handled by the tribunal. Investigators gathered fourteen volumes of documents amounting to nearly 10,000 pages. These records include medical reports, international and local media documents, ballistic logs, helicopter flight records, and postmortem findings.
Authorities compiled 93 documentary exhibits and 32 material exhibits. These items include bullets, shell casings, blood-stained clothing, audio and video recordings, and detailed field reports. The investigation also featured testimonies from more than 80 witnesses. Out of these, 54 appeared in court, including doctors, survivors, protest leaders, and investigators.
‘Shoot Anyone’: Dhaka on High Alert Amid Possible Protests
As the verdict reading continues, law enforcement agencies across Dhaka remain on high alert. Dhaka Metropolitan Police chief Sheikh Mohammad Sazzat Ali issued strict orders to officers to prevent violence during possible demonstrations.
“Yes, I have given such directives. If anyone sets a bus on fire or throws a cocktail [crude bomb] and attacks police, will they sit idle?” he said. His statement comes after at least 40 arson attacks and several crude bomb explosions nationwide in the days leading to the verdict.
Hasina Rejects All Charges, Calls Trial Political
Sheikh Hasina has strongly denied every charge brought against her. She insists the prosecution misused transcripts and twisted facts for political motives.
“I categorically deny all charges brought against me,” Hasina said in an emailed response. “The claim that I ordered security forces to open fire on protesters is categorically untrue. At no time did I issue or authorize such an order. It didn’t happen, and the transcripts cited by the prosecution have been taken out of context and misused.”
She also said she would not return to Bangladesh to stand trial. “Returning to my home under the current circumstances would not be justice; it would be a political persecution,” she said.
The tribunal will continue reading the long verdict before issuing its final ruling. The outcome will shape Bangladesh’s political landscape and decide the future of the ousted prime minister.
