International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam on Monday said the verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was not an act of revenge, but a commitment to the nation and to the establishment of justice.

“Any court in the world would have delivered the same punishment if presented with the evidence submitted in the case,” he said, while speaking about the death sentences handed down to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal in a case over crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July–August mass uprising.

Expressing satisfaction with the judgment, the ICT Chief Prosecutor said the verdict demonstrated Bangladesh’s ability to prosecute complex crimes, including crimes against humanity, while upholding international norms and standards.

“Bangladesh has done this successfully. This verdict has proven that no matter how powerful or influential a person is, they are not above the law,” he added.

He said the prosecution considers it an achievement if the families of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to end dictatorship can find even a small measure of relief through this verdict.

Conviction affirms no one is above law: Prof Yunus

The three-member panel, headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, delivered the verdict after finding the three accused guilty on multiple charges. 

Besides, 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.

The tribunal also ordered the authorities concerned to confiscate the property of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan.