The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh has concluded the trial proceedings in the high-profile case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two of her close associates, accused of crimes against humanity committed during the 2024 student movement. The tribunal is expected to announce its verdict on November 13, 2025, a date that could mark a historic turning point in Bangladesh’s political and judicial landscape.

⚖️ Trial Proceedings Conclude; Verdict Date Set

According to reports by Dhaka Tribune and ANI, the ICT, led by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, wrapped up hearings on Thursday and confirmed that the verdict will be delivered on November 13. The tribunal has been investigating alleged human rights violations during the July–August 2024 student protests, which led to widespread unrest and eventually resulted in Hasina’s resignation and departure from Bangladesh.

The prosecution team, headed by Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam and Attorney General Mohammad Asaduzzaman, has demanded the death penalty for Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Prosecutors claim to have presented “conclusive and irrefutable evidence” linking the two to atrocities against protesters, including cases of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

The third accused, former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, has reportedly turned approver, admitting partial involvement and agreeing to cooperate with the investigation in exchange for leniency.

🧑‍⚖️ Hasina’s Defence Rejects Allegations

Hasina’s state-appointed defence lawyer, Md Amir Hossain, has categorically denied all charges, claiming the case is politically motivated. He argued that the former prime minister did not flee Bangladesh but was forced to leave amid the violent student uprising that engulfed Dhaka in 2024.

The lawyer emphasized that Hasina’s exit by helicopter was public and documented, disputing government claims that she escaped secretly to evade arrest.

🚨 Arrest Warrants and Previous Developments

Earlier, on October 8, 2025, the ICT issued arrest warrants for 30 individuals, including Sheikh Hasina, in connection with two separate cases related to crimes against humanity and enforced disappearances during her tenure as prime minister under the Awami League government.

The tribunal directed law enforcement agencies to locate and present the accused in court by October 22. Hasina, who has been living abroad since August 2024, has not returned to Bangladesh since her ouster and faces multiple charges of human rights abuses, corruption, and abuse of power.

🇧🇩 Background: The 2024 Student Uprising

The July–August 2024 student movement marked one of the most turbulent periods in Bangladesh’s recent history. Initially triggered by demands for educational reform and job quotas, the protests quickly escalated into a nationwide movement calling for Hasina’s resignation over allegations of authoritarian governance and police brutality.

The demonstrations led to hundreds of injuries and dozens of deaths, drawing international condemnation. Hasina’s government responded with a heavy-handed crackdown, which prosecutors now describe as “a campaign of systematic oppression.”

Following weeks of unrest and a loss of military backing, Sheikh Hasina resigned in August 2024 and reportedly left the country via helicopter amid widespread chaos.

🌍 International Reactions and Human Rights Concerns

The ongoing trial has drawn global attention. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have urged Bangladesh’s judiciary to ensure a fair and transparent process, cautioning against politically influenced retribution.

Meanwhile, supporters of Hasina claim that the charges are part of a political vendetta orchestrated by her rivals to prevent her return to power.

Diplomatic observers also note that the verdict could significantly impact Bangladesh’s international relations, particularly with India, China, and Western allies, all of whom have been closely monitoring the proceedings.

📅 What Happens Next

• The ICT will deliver its verdict on November 13, 2025.
• If convicted, Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal could face the death penalty.
• The tribunal’s ruling may trigger political upheaval, protests, and renewed calls for accountability.
• The Bangladesh government is reportedly preparing for heightened security measures in Dhaka and other major cities around the verdict date.

📰 Summary

• Verdict Date: November 13, 2025
• Charges: Crimes against humanity during 2024 student uprising
• Accused: Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun
• Prosecution Demand: Death penalty for Hasina and Kamal
• Defence Claim: Hasina was forced to flee; charges are politically motivated
• Backdrop: Hasina’s fall amid 2024 student protests and regime change

With pollution levels rising ahead of Diwali, Delhi’s air quality has entered the ‘very poor’ category. Health experts urge citizens to wear masks and stay indoors, while the Delhi government explores artificial rain through cloud seeding to tackle pollution.

The air quality in the national capital continued to deteriorate on Friday, slipping further into the ‘very poor’ category at several monitoring stations across Delhi-NCR, just days before Diwali celebrations. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Akshardham stood at 369, while Anand Vihar recorded 363, both falling in the very poor bracket.

Meanwhile, Wazirabad registered an AQI of 293 (poor), ITI Jahangirpuri stood at 228, and Punjabi Bagh at 226. In nearby Ghaziabad, the situation was no better — Loni recorded a concerning 332 AQI, also in the very poor range.

On Thursday, Delhi’s overall AQI had remained in the ‘poor’ category, but localized spikes pushed certain zones to ‘very poor’ levels. Pollution levels are expected to rise further due to increased vehicular emissions, stagnant wind patterns, and the burning of firecrackers and stubble in neighboring states.

AQI categories and their impact

As per CPCB standards:

• 0–50: Good
• 51–100: Satisfactory
• 101–200: Moderate
• 201–300: Poor
• 301–400: Very Poor
• 401–500: Severe

An AQI above 300 can lead to respiratory discomfort for most people and serious health effects for those with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, or heart disease.

Experts advise caution

With pollution levels worsening, health experts have recommended that citizens wear N95 masks when outdoors, avoid early morning walks or runs, and use air purifiers indoors. Children, senior citizens, and pregnant women are advised to stay indoors as much as possible.

“Exposure to high AQI can cause throat irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath. Long-term exposure is even more dangerous as it increases the risk of chronic lung and heart diseases,” said Dr. Rajeev Gupta, pulmonologist at Safdarjung Hospital.

He added that residents should “keep windows closed during peak hours of smog, and increase intake of fluids and antioxidant-rich foods.”

Delhi government considers artificial rain

In response to the worsening air quality, the Delhi government is exploring cloud seeding — a form of artificial rain — as an emergency pollution control measure. The operation, expected around a day after Diwali, depends on suitable weather conditions.

“When the Meteorological Department gives us the green signal, we will conduct a cloud-seeding trial. We are prepared and can initiate the process within hours once permission is granted,” said Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa.

He confirmed that pilot training and aircraft trials have already been conducted successfully over the designated areas. “Our teams have completed four days of familiarization training. We’re ready to proceed as soon as cloud conditions are favorable,” Sirsa added.

Why Delhi’s air worsens every October

Every year, post-monsoon weather patterns trap pollutants closer to the ground, creating a thick haze across northern India. In addition, stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, and construction dust contribute to Delhi’s toxic air.

According to environmental experts, these factors combined with low wind speed and temperature inversion lead to poor air dispersion — turning the city into a gas chamber during October and November.

Looking ahead

Authorities have already activated GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) measures, including restrictions on construction activities, diesel generators, and the use of older vehicles. However, experts believe long-term solutions require regional cooperation and public awareness rather than just emergency interventions.

For now, residents of Delhi-NCR are bracing for another smog-laden Diwali, hoping that government initiatives and favorable weather conditions may provide some relief in the coming days.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Friday (October 3) that the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) will officially be named Loknete DB Patil Navi Mumbai International Airport. The decision fulfills a decades-long demand by the people of Navi Mumbai and surrounding regions, who have long sought recognition for Loknete Dinkar Balu Patil, a leader remembered for his relentless fight for farmers’ rights and equitable urban development.

Fadnavis called the announcement a “moment of justice”, underlining that the renaming pays tribute to both the public sentiment and the enduring legacy of Patil. The declaration was made following a high-level meeting at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai, attended by several senior ministers and regional leaders.

Approval Process and Centre’s Role

The proposal to name the airport after Loknete DB Patil has already been passed by the Maharashtra State Cabinet and endorsed by both Houses of the State Legislature. Recently, the proposal was also forwarded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who reportedly gave a positive nod.

However, the Central Government is currently framing a broader policy for naming national infrastructure projects, including airports. According to Fadnavis, once the guidelines are finalised, the state-approved proposal will be officially cleared at the national level, making the name permanent.

Honoring a Leader’s Legacy

Loknete DB Patil is revered as one of the most important grassroots leaders in Navi Mumbai’s history. Known for his farmer-centric policies and activism, Patil played a vital role in shaping the urban fabric of Navi Mumbai and surrounding Konkan regions. Many locals consider him the “architect of justice” for displaced farmers who lost land during large-scale infrastructure projects.

The renaming is being celebrated as a symbolic recognition of Patil’s contribution to regional growth, ensuring his legacy is remembered by future generations.

Withdrawal of Protest-Related Cases

In addition to the airport renaming, Fadnavis also announced that all pending police cases registered during the protests demanding the airport be named after Loknete DB Patil would be withdrawn. He emphasised that the decision ensures that local youth are not denied jobs or opportunities due to past protest records.

Cases registered during the COVID-19 lockdown period connected with the demonstrations will also be legally withdrawn, providing closure to those affected families.

Other Airport Renaming Plans

The government also confirmed that two other major airports in Maharashtra will soon be renamed:

• Pune Airport → To be named after Jagadguru Sant Tukaram
• Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport → To be named after Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj

Official clearances for these renamings are expected shortly.

Regional Leaders Welcome Move

The decision to rename NMIA was welcomed by several senior leaders present at the meeting, including Minister Ganesh Naik, MLAs Ravindra Chavan, Mandatai Mhatre, Mahesh Baldi, Prashant Thakur, and Vikrant Patil.

Local activists and community leaders expressed satisfaction, stating that the announcement reflects not just political will but also respect for public emotion. Many hailed it as a historic acknowledgment of Navi Mumbai’s socio-political identity.

✅ This refined version provides:

• Better structure (subheadings + flow).
• Added historical context about DB Patil.
• More details on impact (withdrawal of cases + regional reaction).
• A broader scope with links to other renaming developments.