November 17th 2025.
The nation of Bangladesh is currently on high alert as a special tribunal prepares to deliver its verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Her 15-year rule came to an end last year during a student-led uprising, and now the International Crimes Tribunal is set to announce its judgment in her absence. Hasina is facing charges of crimes against humanity, including allegations of ordering a deadly security crackdown during the 2024 protests.
The outcome of the trial is highly anticipated and is expected to result in a conviction today. As a result, authorities have increased security measures across the country, with the Awami League leaders even warning of a possible lockdown. Here are 10 key developments in the case that have been making headlines.
Firstly, there has been a heavy deployment of security forces throughout Bangladesh. In particular, the capital city of Dhaka and other politically sensitive areas have seen a significant increase in Border Guards. Reports have also mentioned the presence of armed personnel outside the tribunal, as well as additional checkpoints around government offices.
Furthermore, the verdict will be delivered in Hasina's absence, as the 78-year-old former Prime Minister fled to India in August 2024. She is being tried alongside former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. The prosecution is seeking the death penalty for all three, accusing them of orchestrating last year's crackdown.
According to a UN report, up to 1,400 people were killed and thousands injured during the protests, making it the worst political violence in Bangladesh since its independence war in 1971. The capital city has also been shaken by crude bomb blasts leading up to the verdict. Reports have mentioned multiple explosions and dozens of buses being torched across the city.
In the midst of all this, authorities have detained supporters of the Awami League, suspecting them of planning to incite further unrest. The party's son, Sajeeb Wazed, has predicted an escalation of confrontation if the party's ban is not lifted. He even warned that protests could intensify and claimed that the tribunal would likely sentence his mother to death. Wazed also stated that his mother is currently safe in New Delhi, where she is being treated with the respect of a head of state.
Hasina herself has rejected all charges, calling the trial a "kangaroo court" and a "politically motivated charade". In an audio message to her supporters, she accused the interim government of overthrowing an elected leader and attempting to "finish off" the Awami League. However, the interim government has denied any political targeting and has stated that the tribunal followed transparent procedures.
Despite the suspension of political activities, the Awami League has been using its networks to mobilize supporters and has called for a nationwide shutdown ahead of the verdict. There have been widespread demonstrations and blockades reported, with the party urging people to join in the protest.
In her audio message, Hasina assures her supporters that she will return and continue working for the welfare of the people. She also accuses the interim government of granting amnesty to "murderers" and claims that the country's economic conditions have worsened under their administration. The future of Bangladesh remains uncertain as the nation awaits the verdict of the International Crimes Tribunal.
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