Families of the victims of last year’s July uprising on Monday demanded the immediate return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India and the swift execution of her death sentence.

Maqbul Hossain, father of Abu Sayeed, a student of the English Department at Begum Rokeya University and one of the first iconic martyrs of the anti-discrimination student movement, said, “I want to die after seeing Hasina’s execution on the soil of Bangladesh.”

He expressed satisfaction with the verdict but stressed that its implementation was essential.

“The police directly shot and killed my son during the quota reform movement. I want justice not only for the police officers involved but also for those who gave the orders,” he added. “I want the highest punishment—hanging. Thousands of students like my son were shot and killed because orders were allowed. Many have lost limbs, become paralyzed, or lost their eyesight. Many are still suffering in hospitals. Sheikh Hasina must be brought back from India, and the verdict must be executed.”

Abu Sayeed’s mother, Monowara Begum, said, “We want justice for everyone. Those who gave the orders and carried out the shootings should be hanged. As a mother, I understand the pain of losing a son. Many mothers, sisters, and brothers like me lost their children and husbands in police firing during the movement. Many lives and families have been destroyed. All these must be judged.”

The family of martyr Rakibul Hossain of Jhenaidah has also demanded the speedy execution of Hasina’s death sentence.

Rakibul’s mother, Hafiza Khatun, said, “Sheikh Hasina ordered the killing of students and the public through indiscriminate shooting to retain her power. All allegations against her were proven in court today. As a mother, I feel partially satisfied. I pray to Allah for life so I may witness Sheikh Hasina’s execution.”

Rakibul’s father, Abubakar Siddique, added, “Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and all others involved in the July genocide and crimes against humanity must be hanged. Those who fled abroad after committing these crimes must be brought back, and their death sentences must be carried out in Bangladesh.”

Speaking to UNB, Shahina Begum, mother of Sajjad Hossain Sajal—who was shot and burned to death in Ashulia, Savar, on August 5 during the uprising—said, “What will happen after hearing the verdict? I want her hanging to be implemented immediately. Just as my son was shot and burned in public, Hasina should be shot and burned in public.”

She added tearfully that the police chief at the time, Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, had been sentenced to only five years, saying, “I cannot accept such a short sentence. I do not accept this verdict against him.”

BNP hails Hasina’s death sentence verdict, says justice served

Earlier today, the International Crimes Tribunal-1 sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death in a case filed over crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July-August mass uprising.

The three-member tribunal, headed by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder began delivering the verdict around 12:30pm unveiling a 453-page judgment.

Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who testified as a state witness in the case, was sentenced to five years in prison.