Bangladesh Court to Announce Verdict in Sheikh Hasina’s ‘Crimes Against Humanity’ Case on November 13

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