Verdict in Sheikh Hasina\'s Case Today Amid Tight Security

Today, Monday (November 17), the International Crimes Tribunal will pronounce its verdict against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others in a case of crimes against humanity.

The Tribunal's Registrar's Office has announced that the court will convene at 11 AM for this verdict.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has written to Army Headquarters requesting the deployment of army personnel to bolster security around the Tribunal ahead of the verdict.

In protest against the verdict announcement and demanding the cancellation of the tribunal's proceedings along with other demands, the banned Awami League has called for a 'complete shutdown' program on Sunday and Monday.

International Crimes Tribunal Prosecutor Ghazi Monower Hossain Tamim said on Sunday, "The portion of the verdict that the Tribunal will read out will be broadcast by Bangladesh Television with the Tribunal's permission. Other media outlets can also broadcast it live through Bangladesh Television."

On the other hand, multiple incidents of arson on vehicles and cocktail explosions have occurred in various parts of the country since Saturday night. However, police have stated, 'Security plans have been drawn up keeping all aspects in mind. Therefore, there is no reason to be panicked.'

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said, 'Law enforcement agencies are prepared to thwart any kind of disorder in the country.'

Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said at an event in Dhaka, "Tomorrow, Monday, a certain quarter is scheming to create anarchy across the country centered around the verdict on fascist Hasina's genocide."

At a press conference of eight parties including Jamaat, Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said that they will be out in the field on Monday and will not allow anyone to engage in sabotage.

The other two accused in this case are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and state witness former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. This verdict will be delivered by International Crimes Tribunal-1.

The three-member International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumdar, will pronounce the verdict.

Five charges have been brought against Sheikh Hasina and the three others. The prosecution has sought the death penalty as the maximum punishment for Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.

On the other hand, the state-appointed lawyers have sought acquittal claiming the innocence of the accused. Additionally, the lawyer for state witness former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun has also sought his acquittal.