Today, the International Crime Tribunal will set the date for its verdict in the cases against former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Ahead of the decision, Dhaka and other cities are experiencing violence, arson, and intense tension.
Bangladesh News: Today, the International Crime Tribunal will set the date for its verdict in the ongoing cases against former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Prior to this announcement, tension has spread across the country. Incidents of violence, arson, and clashes are occurring in the capital Dhaka and its surrounding areas. Hasina faces serious charges such as murder, conspiracy, and crimes against humanity. These cases have been heard in the very tribunal that Hasina herself constituted during her tenure.
Deteriorating Situation in Dhaka
Before the verdict date could be set, the situation in Dhaka has spiraled out of control. On Wednesday night, clashes erupted between activists of the Awami League and the opposition BNP in several areas of the capital. Mobs set fire to several vehicles and pelted stones at the police. To control the situation, police resorted to baton charges, and additional contingents of BGB (Border Guards Bangladesh) were deployed. Besides Dhaka, reports of unrest have also been received from Narayanganj, Chittagong, and Bogura.
Tribunal to Set Verdict Date Today
Today, International Crime Tribunal Judge Ghulam Murtaza Majumder will announce when the verdict against Sheikh Hasina will be delivered. This is the same court that the Hasina government established in 2010 for the trial of war crimes. At that time, this very court sentenced several leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP to death. Now, the same court is preparing to deliver a verdict on Hasina, escalating political tension in the country to its peak.
Serious Allegations Against Sheikh Hasina
Sheikh Hasina faces serious charges including murder, conspiracy, and crimes against humanity. Hearings in these cases began in June 2025 in her absence, after she had left the country. According to documents presented in court, violent actions were taken against opposition leaders and activists during her rule. The prosecution has demanded that she be sentenced to death if found guilty.
Awami League's March
Sheikh Hasina's party, the Awami League, has announced a march in Dhaka even before the verdict date is set. Party leaders have stated that this protest is against "political vendetta." Thousands of Hasina supporters have gathered from Dhaka University to Gulshan. Police and BGB have cordoned off the entire city. According to Dhaka Metropolitan Police, over 15,000 security personnel have been deployed across the city, and surveillance is being conducted by drones.
Verdict Also Expected Against Former Associates
Alongside Hasina, hearings against her close associates — the former Dhaka police chief and former home minister — have also concluded. The Tribunal is now preparing to deliver verdicts on them as well. The prosecution alleges that all of them acted against opposition parties under Hasina's orders, while the defense has termed it a political conspiracy.
Opposition BNP's Statement: 'Dictatorship Must End'
The opposition BNP has stated that Sheikh Hasina must be punished for her crimes. Party spokesperson Rafiqul Islam said that Hasina had crushed democracy and attempted to eliminate political opponents. BNP supporters staged protests in several locations, but police forcibly stopped them. Many BNP leaders have been detained in Dhaka and surrounding areas.
Supporters Claim Conspiracy Against Hasina
Hasina's supporters claim that this trial is an act of political vendetta. Abdul Qadir, a senior Awami League leader, stated that the very court Sheikh Hasina established for the trial of 1971 war crimes is now being used against her. He added that "Hasina is a symbol of the country's security and development, and calling her a traitor is wrong."
