Bangladesh's special court, the International Crimes Tribunal, will deliver its verdict on November 17 in a case of crimes against humanity against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. A tense atmosphere prevails in the country ahead of this verdict.
Sheikh Hasina: Bangladesh's special court, the ‘International Crimes Tribunal,’ is set to pronounce its verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on November 17. A tense atmosphere grips the country in light of the verdict. On Thursday, Sheikh Hasina's party, the Awami League, announced a shutdown. Due to the shutdown, security has been tightened in the capital Dhaka, and the situation resembles a lockdown.
Bangladesh is on high alert across the entire country. A member of the prosecution team stated that the Crimes Tribunal would deliver its verdict according to the scheduled timeline.
Tension Rises Ahead of Verdict
Along with Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former police chief Abdullah Al Mamun are also accused in this case. The prosecution has sought the death penalty for Sheikh Hasina. In Bangladesh, regarding this verdict, the Awami League announced a shutdown on Thursday. Due to the shutdown, the streets of the capital Dhaka are deserted, and bus traffic is limited. Several private institutions and universities have decided to conduct their classes online.
To ensure security in Dhaka, the army, Border Guard Bangladesh, and anti-riot police have been deployed. Government officials are stating that the city is experiencing lockdown-like conditions. According to media reports, unknown individuals set fire to five empty buses in Dhaka, Munshiganj, Central Tangail, and Gopalganj. This has led to further tightening of security arrangements in the city.
The prosecution alleges that Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan, and Abdullah Al Mamun attempted to suppress student movements. It was due to these student movements that Sheikh Hasina had to resign from the prime minister's post and leave Bangladesh for India. The prosecution has demanded severe punishment from the court. Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina has called the allegations a political conspiracy and stated that the tribunal is not impartial against her.
Attention regarding this verdict has increased not only in Bangladesh but also at an international level. The deployment of security forces and the impact of the shutdown are clearly visible on trade, education, and public life.
