Bangladesh is bracing for a defining moment as the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) prepares to deliver its verdict on November 17 against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who is accused of crimes against humanity during the July 2024 Uprising.

The ruling comes amid unprecedented political polarisation, foreign policy shifts, human rights concerns under the Muhammad Yunus interim government, and rising doubts over the February 2025 elections.

What Hasina Is Accused Of: Death Penalty Requested

Chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam has sought the death penalty, calling Hasina the “mastermind of mass atrocities” during the student-led uprising.

Key charges include:

• Murder and attempted murder
• Torture, inhumane treatment
• Extermination orders
• Incitement through inflammatory speeches
• Responsibility for killing six unarmed students

A UN estimate suggests up to 1,400 deaths from July 15–August 15, 2024, during the government crackdown.

Dhaka on Edge: Lockdown, Protests, Massive Security Deployment

Ahead of the verdict, the Awami League has issued a call for a “Dhaka lockdown.”
The capital now sees:

• Army, BGB and riot police on streets
• Deserted bus terminals and public spaces
• Schools shifting to online mode
• Tightened security around the tribunal

The situation highlights the volatile political climate and fear of widespread unrest.

Hasina Tried in Absentia After Fleeing to India

Hasina fled to India on August 5, 2024, hours before her government collapsed.
India has not responded to the extradition request from the Yunus administration.

Former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal was also tried in absentia, while ex–police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun turned state witness — a major turn in the prosecution’s case.

Hasina Calls ICT-BD a “Kangaroo Court”

Hasina has rejected the charges as politically motivated, challenging Yunus to try her at the International Criminal Court (ICC) under global oversight.

UK-based Doughty Street Chambers has already raised concerns at the UN, alleging a “vengeful and coercive” trial environment.

Hasina vs Yunus: A Battle for Bangladesh’s Future

Hasina accuses interim Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus of attempting to impose “control by an unelected elite.”

She warns that excluding the Awami League from elections will destabilise Bangladesh and undermine democratic legitimacy.

🇮🇳 India Factor: Strategic Concerns Rise

Hasina stresses that India, Bangladesh’s closest partner, seeks stability and continuity — not an election without major political stakeholders.

She also warns that Yunus’s foreign posture risks:

• Alienating India
• Over-dependence on China
• Breaking regional strategic balance

Minorities Under Attack: Hasina Raises Alarm

Hasina claims systematic attacks on Hindus and minorities have surged since August 2024:

• Temples vandalised
• Shops and homes torched
• Families fleeing districts
• Rising fear among communities

She accuses the interim administration of enabling extremist forces.

New Report: Extrajudicial Killings Rise Under Yunus Govt

A rights report by Odhikar, cited by Al Jazeera, reveals persistent abuses despite the change in power:

Aug 2024 – Sept 2025:

• 40 extrajudicial killings
• 19 “crossfire” deaths
• 14 custodial torture deaths
• 7 deaths due to beating

Rights activist Nur Khan Liton warns that killings are rising again — dashing hopes of justice after the uprising.

Disappearances Legacy: Old Wounds Reopened

Bangladesh’s Commission of Inquiry found:

• 1,752 enforced disappearances under Hasina
• 330 still missing

Arrest warrants have now been issued for 30 individuals, including Hasina and 25 military officers — reviving traumatic public memories.

Referendum Before 2025 Polls, But Trust Deficit Deepens

To counter legitimacy concerns, the Yunus government has announced a nationwide referendum on democratic reforms alongside the February 2025 election.
But analysts say true accountability will only begin once a fully elected government returns.

Bangladesh at a Critical Crossroads

Bangladesh now faces a moment that could reshape its political landscape:

• A former PM facing the gravest charges in national history
• A transitional regime accused of fresh abuses
• Strained ties with India and shifting geopolitics
• Growing insecurity among minorities
• Doubts over election credibility

The Nov 17 verdict will not just determine Sheikh Hasina’s fate — it may decide the future of Bangladesh’s democracy, stability, and global standing.