Sheikh Hasina was ‘mastermind’, ‘skulls missing’: Tribunal finds ex-PM guilty of crimes against humanity - key observations

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) on Monday found former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina guilty of crimes against humanity linked to last year’s student-led protests that toppled her government.

Former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun face the same charges, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty for all three. Security has been tightened across Dhaka as a massive crowd gathered outside the tribunal amid the verdict.

Key points from the court:

• The court cited multiple instances of Hasina’s direct involvement in the crackdown, including a telephonic conversation with the Mayor of Dhaka South on 18 July, where she allegedly instructed law enforcement to target armed civilian protesters.


• “Sheikh Hasina was the mastermind and principal architect” behind the nationwide atrocities, said Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam.


• Drones, helicopters, and lethal weapons were deployed on her orders, and she allegedly directed authorities to arrest demonstrators.


• Case-by-case findings revealed widespread intimidation, torture of students, and video evidence showing police opening fire.


• Harrowing testimonies indicated many injured protesters were “without skulls,” and police and Awami League members blocked proper medical treatment.


• Judges noted derogatory remarks made by Hasina during a 14 July press conference regarding freedom fighters’ grandchildren and Razakars.


• The court highlighted her alleged incitement of violence leading to the deaths of students.


• The court has confirmed that former PM Sheikh Hasina’s audio conversation with the Vice President is genuine and not AI-generated. Forensic analysis verified the authenticity of the recording, ruling out any manipulation. This strengthens the evidence presented against Hasina in the case related to the deadly student-led protests last year.


• Bangladesh’s tribunal observed that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina continues to post provocative statements on social media. The court noted, “Hasina is still making provocative social media remarks,” despite being instructed to refrain from such behaviour.


• The court also noted harrowing testimonies stating that many injured protesters who were hospitalised were “without skulls,” alleging that police and Awami League members blocked proper medical treatment. The ICT prosecutor added that bullets were fired from a helicopter.

• Count 1 accuses them of murder, attempted murder, torture, and other inhumane acts, asserting that they abetted, incited, facilitated, and were complicit in crimes carried out against civilians by law enforcement personnel and Awami League–affiliated armed groups, while also failing to prevent these offences.


• Count 2 alleges that they ordered the use of lethal weapons, helicopters, and drones to suppress student protesters, thereby bearing superior command responsibility and engaging in conspiracy and facilitation.


• Count 3 concerns the killing of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayed on 16 July, which prosecutors say was carried out under their orders and encouragement.


• Count 4 charges them with orchestrating the murder of six unarmed protesters in Chankharpul on 5 August.


• Count 5 accuses the trio of shooting dead five protesters, injuring another, and burning bodies, implicating them through instigation, facilitation, and complicity.