United News of Bangladesh

Abul Kalam Azad, a fugitive sentenced to death for crimes against humanity committed during the 1971 Liberation War, surrendered to the International Crimes Tribunal on Wednesday. Azad applied to the Ministry of Home Affairs last year seeking a stay of his sentence under Section 401 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. He was sentenced to death on January 21, 2013 by International Crimes Tribunal-2. The tribunal found Azad guilty on seven of eight charges of crimes against humanity. Three of the charges carried the death penalty. The tribunal did not impose separate punishments for the remaining four charges as the death sentence superseded them. One charge was dismissed due to lack of sufficient evidence. According to the verdict, Azad was involved in the killing of 14 people, the rape of three women, the abduction of nine persons, detention of 10 individuals, arson attacks on five houses and looting of 15 homes during the Liberation War. Azad remained a fugitive at the time and could not be produced before the court. Law enforcement sources said he fled to Pakistan via India before an arrest warrant could be issued. The trial proceedings concluded on December 26, 2012, after the completion of arguments from both sides, with the verdict delivered later in his absence.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Monday issued warrants for the arrest of 12 people including former MP Shamim Osman and his son Ayan Osman in a case filed over the crimes against humanity during July-August movement. A three-member ICT bench led by its chairman Justice Golam Martuza Majumdar passed the order after taking charges into cognisance. Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim stood for the petitioner. The tribunal  also asked police to produce them before January 26 after their arrest. At least ten people were killed during on July 19, July 21 and August 5 at Fatullah-Signboard during mass uprising in 2024. International Crimes Tribunal-2  formed with Justice Nazrul Islam as chair Earlier in the day, the prosecutor submitted chargesheet against 12 people.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Thursday fixed January 20 for hearing the appeal filed seeking death penalty of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ex-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Kamal in a case over crimes against humanity. Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division Md Rezaul Haque passed the order. On December 15, last year, the state counsel filed the appeal seeking the death penalty of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman in the case. On November 17, 2025, the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced them to death on one charge and sentenced them to imprisonment unto death on a separate charge. Read More: ICT-1 sets dates for charge framing hearing against Hasina, army officers Later, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Tajul Islam sought the death penalty for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal in the case. On October 13 last year, the prosecution presented several documentaries as evidence which it said could play a significant role in the trial. On October 14, 2025, during the third day of arguments, the prosecution played recorded conversations involving Sheikh Hasina, ex-ministers Hasanul Haq Inu and Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, alongside presenting footage of the July-August movement and testimonies of several witnesses. Chief Investigation Officer Md. Alamgir was cross-examined by state-appointed defence lawyer Md. Amir Hossain, representing Sheikh Hasina and Kamal on the same day. The defence challenged the July massacre claims and argued that law enforcement officers were compelled to use force under duress. On July 10, 2025, former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun confessed before the tribunal admitting to crimes against humanity committed during the mass uprising. The prosecution brought five charges of crimes against humanity against the three accused.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Monday 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. The tribunal found all three accused guilty of the charges brought against them. Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death on two counts of crimes against humanity. Asaduzzaman Khan was awarded the death penalty on one charge. Both of them tried in absentia. Hasina gets death penalty, jail unto death for crimes against humanity   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.The court also asked the authorities concerned to take steps to provide adequate compensation from this property to the martyrs and injured victims of July-August movement in proportion to the extent of their losses.About the sentence handed down against Sheikh Hasina under the first charge, the tribunal said the former prime minister was responsible for instigating the crimes, ordering attacks on protesters and failing to act to prevent the offences or take punitive measures against those involved.She was found guilty of two offences under charge one and sentenced to imprisonment unto death.The tribunal said Sheikh Hasina was held responsible for two crimes under 2nd charge.One of the two offences is ordering use of helicopters and lethal weapons to suppress the July mass movement.By issuing this order, she committed offences under Sections 3(1)(ka), 3(2)(chha)(ja) and 4(1)(2)(3) of the International Crimes Tribunal Act, 1973, it said.The second offence concerns the killing of six people in Dhaka’s Chankharpul area on August 5 last year and the killing and burning of six others in Ashulia the same day as per her instructions.The tribunal said the court’s decision was that the only punishment for these crimes is the death penalty.The tribunal said two other convicts- Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun -- are equally responsible for the offences.Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal was sentenced to death for the offences, it said.Although Abdullah Al Mamun also deserves the maximum punishment, as he became a state witness and gave full and truthful testimony regarding the offences, the court showed leniency and sentenced him to five years in prison.He assisted the judicial process in reaching an accurate decision, said the tribunal.The tribunal also ordered that a copy of the verdict be sent to the Dhaka District Magistrate.As Sheikh Hasina and former minister Asaduzzaman Khan fled the country amid the massive movement on August 5 last year only former IGP Mamun was present at the dock during the delivery of the judgment. Bangladesh Television (BTV) telecast the verdict live and it was also shown via giant screen at 10 spots of the capital.Initially, Sheikh Hasina was the sole accused in the case.On March 16 this year, the prosecution appealed to include former IGP Mamun as an accused alongside Sheikh Hasina and the tribunal approved it.After the Awami League government was toppled on August 5, 2024, the ICT was reconstituted.The tribunal conducted its first hearing on October 17 last year, issuing an arrest warrant against Hasina that day.After extending the deadline several times, the tribunal’s investigation agency submitted its final probe report to the Chief Prosecutor’s Office on May 12 this year.On June 1, the prosecution formally filed charges against Sheikh Hasina and the two accused.The 5 charges are:• Inciting violence in a press conference at Ganabhaban on 14 July 2024;• Ordering the elimination of protestors using helicopters, drones, and lethal weapons;• Student Abu Sayed’s killing in shooting at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur;• The killing of six protestors at Chankharpul, Dhaka;• The burning of six people in Ashulia.The tribunal formally framed these charges on July 10.The day the charges were framed, Mamun confessed to the court his involvement in crimes against humanity during the uprising and became a state witness.Arguments in the case began on October 12 and concluded on October 23.Relatives of victims, including the father of martyr Abu Sayed, testified in the case, along with key witnesses including Nahid Islam, Convener of National Citizen Party (NCP) and Amar Desh editor Dr Mahmudur Rahman.In total, 54 witnesses testified during the trial. Ex-IGP Mamun gets 5-year jail term for crimes against humanity  

The government has deployed 14 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in Dhaka and adjoining districts to maintain law and order amid incidents of vehicle torching by miscreants. Shariful Islam, Public Relations Officer at the BGB headquarters, said on Wednesday morning (12th November 2025) that 12 platoons have been stationed in Dhaka, while the remaining two have been deployed in nearby districts of the capital. The paramilitary force has been positioned at key locations including Hotel Intercontinental, Dhanmondi-32, Airport, Abdullahpur, Kakrail, Shishu Academy, the High Court area, and Abrar Fahad Avenue. 3 buses set on fire in Gazipur Miscreants set fire to buses in Dhaka, Gazipur and other districts to create panic among the public, as the Awami League announced a ‘lockdown’ for November 13 ahead of the verdict dae to be set by the International Crimes Tribunal against Sheikh Hasina and others in a case involving crimes against humanity.

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2) on Sunday ordered the initiation of trial against former Information Minister and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasad) president Hasanul Haq Inu over six killings in Kushtia during last year’s uprising. A three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, framed eight charges of crimes against humanity against him. The court also set November 30 for the presentation of opening statements and witness testimonies in the case. On Sunday, the tribunal read out the eight charges against Inu and asked whether he pleaded guilty. In response, Inu asserted his innocence, following which the tribunal formally framed the charges and issued the trial order. Read more: Ex-minister Inu threatens police: ‘I will destroy your entire lineage’ The former minister was brought to the dock from the tribunal’s detention centre around 11:30 am and the prosecution read out the allegations in his presence. The court told him, “Eight charges have been brought against you. If you plead guilty, our work will end; otherwise, the trial will proceed.” Inu then responded, “I have heard a few charges but not all. However, it seems my request is not being considered.” Inu was charged with issuing the command to kill six people in Kushtia after communicating with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the uprising. Read more: Trial of July killings to be held at Speedy Trial Tribunals On October 23, the prosecution presented formal charges against him and requested the start of trial, prompting the tribunal to issue a production warrant to ensure his presence. On October 28, Inu’s lawyer, Monsurul Haq Chowdhury, argued that none of the allegations were true and sought dismissal of the case, urging the tribunal to examine the charges thoroughly. The prosecution, however, contended that Inu could not evade responsibility as a leader of the 14-party alliance. Inu was arrested on August 26 last year from Uttara in Dhaka and remains in prison facing multiple cases. Read more: Chankharpul killings: Tribunal orders protection for witness facing security threat

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Wednesday sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to six months in jail in a contempt of court case filed last year. This marks the first time since the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5 last year that a Bangladeshi court has sentenced her. The three-member tribunal, headed by ICT Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar, passed the order. In the same case, then Chhatra League leader of Gaibandha district, Shakil Akanda Bulbul, was sentenced to two months in jail. Although there is no precedent for appointing legal counsel for absconding accused in such cases, a state-appointed lawyer was engaged for Sheikh Hasina at government expense to ensure justice. ICT schedules July 1 for hearing to frame charges against Hasina, 2 others According to the case statement, Sheikh Hasina had a telephone conversation with Chhatra League leader Shakil on October 25 last year. In the audio clip, Sheikh Hasina was heard saying, “Got license of killing 227 people,” which the court deemed a direct threat to the judicial system. Later, the prosecution filed a case with the ICT.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 on Tuesday fixed July 1 for a hearing on charge framing against three accused, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a case relating to crimes against humanity linked to the July-August uprising. The three-member tribunal, led by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, passed the order following a scheduled hearing. Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abdullah Al Mamun, already arrested in the case, was produced before the court during the proceedings. Prosecutors Mizanul Islam and Gazi MH Tamim appeared on behalf of the state. The tribunal had earlier appointed defence lawyers for the accused. Court orders gazette notice for Hasina, 11 others in Purbachal forgery cases On June 1, the court took the allegations into cognisance and issued arrest warrants for Sheikh Hasina and former Home Affairs Adviser Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both of whom are currently absconding. On the same day, Al Mamun was shown arrested in connection with the case, while the court ordered summons to be issued for Hasina and Kamal to appear on June 16. Since both failed to appear on the scheduled date, the tribunal ordered public notices to be published in two national newspapers and set June 24 for the next hearing. In line with the schedule, Tuesday’s hearing was held and the tribunal issued its latest order.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Monday ordered the authorities concerned to issue public notices in two newspapers summoning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to appear before the court in a case over the July-August uprising. A three-member bench, led by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, passed the order after a hearing in this regard, said the ICT’s Chief Prosecutor Advocate Md Tajul Islam. He said the court ordered the notice be published in one Bengali and another English newspaper. Taking five charges into cognizance against the accused, including Sheikh Hasina, the court also set Jun 24 for the next hearing in the case. The court also reissued arrest warrants for those who are absconding. Earlier in the day, former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun was produced before the tribunal. BNP’s Salahuddin files disappearance charges against Hasina, 6 others with ICT Following the hearing, the court ordered the publication of summons for Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Kamal as they have been absconding. The chief prosecutor formally submitted the charges against Hasina, accusing her of responsibility for atrocities during the July-August pro-democracy uprising. According to the case statement, nearly 1500 people were killed during last year’s anti-government movement in the country. Amid intense protests on August 5 last year, then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country and took shelter in India. Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus later assumed power and restructured the tribunal to prosecute those accused of mass killings, with the first case filed against Hasina. ICT issues arrest warrant for Hasina, Asaduzzaman Following a six-month investigation, the tribunal’s agency submitted its final report on May 12 and formally presented it before the court on Sunday.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday submitted allegations of abduction and enforced disappearance against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and six others with the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). Salahuddin arrived at the ICT around 11:15am with a BNP-backed lawyers’ team led by Legal Affairs Secretary Barrister Kayser Kamal. Later, they handed over the copy of allegations to Chief Prosecutor of the ICT Advocate Md Tajul Islam. The accused include former Inspector General of Police (IGPs) Benazir Ahmed, Shahidul Haque, former Special Branch (SB) Chief Monirul Islam, former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia, and retired army officer Ziaul Ahsan. ICT issues arrest warrant for Hasina, Asaduzzaman Speaking to the media, Salahuddin said, “The nation demands justice. Not only for incidents in July-August, but all killings, disappearances, and torture during the previous regime must be addressed. This is the BNP’s commitment.” He urged the victims of forced disappearance and extrajudicial killings under the ‘fascist regime’ to file complaints and called on the government to increase logistical support to the tribunal to ensure justice. On October 15 last, Salahuddin filed his own disappearance complaint. He had gone missing from Uttara on March 10, 2015 and was found in Shillong of India on May 11 of the same year. ICT prosecutors, investigation officers empowered to arrest without warrant   Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5 last, he returned home on August 11.