BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) verdict convicting deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others delivers justice and serves as a warning against future dictatorship.
“Justice has been established today in the International Crimes Tribunal. But the sentences given to the accused—fascist Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Kamal and former IGP Mamun—are far too lenient compared to the crimes they committed,” Salahuddin said.
The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking to reporters after attending a seminar at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban at Dhaka University.
Salahuddin, a BNP standing committee member, said the verdict also shows that any offender, no matter how powerful, must eventually face trial.
“This verdict is not enough compared to the gravity of the crimes, but it is not only a step towards justice — it is also an example for the future. It sends a message that no one can ever again establish a fascist regime in this country, no one can become a fascist ruler, and dictatorship must never return. This is a lesson for the future, not just a judgement for the past, and we must remember that,” he observed.
Earlier in the day, the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) convicted and sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death in a case concerning crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July–August uprising, which claimed more than 1,000 lives.
The tribunal also awarded former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Kamal the death penalty, while former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who became a state witness, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.
The court also ordered the confiscation of the properties of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Kamal in favour of the state.
Salahuddin said there is no harsher punishment than what was awarded to Sheikh Hasina. “That is why the judges handed down the death penalty for one crime of Sheikh Hasina, and another death sentence for her separate crime… Asaduzzaman Kamal was sentenced to death, and IGP Mamun’s sentence was reduced to five years for his cooperation with the court.”
He said there are still many cases pending against the accused, and he hopes justice will be served in those as well.
“Through today’s verdict, several things are proven: no matter how strong a fascist dictator may be, or how long they exercise power illegally, they must eventually face trial. Sheikh Hasina tried to establish a one-party state and government, and to impose her rule through oppression, enforced disappearances, killings and inequality. But she could not succeed,” the BNP leader said.
He also recalled that the country’s people suffered greatly under long-term misrule and fascist rule. “The country’s development and progress have been delayed for many years. We do not want to look back anymore.”
Salahuddin said justice and the rule of law will be established in every sphere, and through this, in the days ahead, a strong democratic state will be built. That will be the Bangladesh of the future.
“We are committed to establishing that Bangladesh. We will achieve this through reforms. We will establish the rule of law, and create a balanced state system and government, Insha’Allah. We will continue our relentless struggle to build a state where every citizen receives justice. Today, a milestone has been achieved for it,” he added.