The International Crimes Tribunal has concluded depositions from over 50 witnesses in the high-stakes prosecution of Bangladesh’s ousted leader, paving the way for a full trial amid lingering questions over seized evidence.
The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) in Dhaka on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, recorded testimonies from over 50 witnesses in the Shaikh Hasina case, charging the former prime minister and three associates with crimes against humanity linked to the deadly July-August 2024 student-led uprising; charges were framed on Thursday, July 10, 2025, to expedite justice for victims.
The Shaikh Hasina case represents a pivotal moment for transitional justice in Bangladesh, a South Asian nation grappling with the aftermath of authoritarian rule. By holding high-level figures accountable for alleged mass atrocities during the 2024 uprising—which claimed over 1,000 lives, it could deter future abuses of power and bolster democratic reforms across the region, where similar protests have toppled regimes in neighbouring countries. For South Asia, this trial underscores the growing use of international legal standards to address political violence, potentially influencing accountability mechanisms in India, Pakistan, and beyond.
ICT Records Testimonies in Shaikh Hasina Case
Proceedings at ICT-1, presided over by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, advanced significantly on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, as the tribunal finalised depositions from more than 50 witnesses. This milestone in the Shaikh Hasina case pertains to accusations of systematic attacks on protesters, including killings, torture, and enforced disappearances during the mass uprising that ultimately led to Hasina’s ouster on Monday, August 5, 2024.
The witnesses included family members of victims, political activists, and media figures, providing firsthand accounts of the violence. Among them was the father of martyr Abu Sayed, a student killed during the protests, who detailed the circumstances of his son’s death. National Citizen Party Convener Nahid Islam, a key coordinator of the uprising, concluded his testimony earlier in the week, describing the government’s crackdown as a coordinated assault on unarmed demonstrators. Daily Amar Desh Editor Dr Mahmudur Rahman also testified, offering insights into media suppression amid the unrest.
Prosecutors, led by Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam and supported by Mizanul Islam and Gazi MH Tamim, presented the evidence to substantiate claims of crimes against humanity under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973. The defence, represented by state-appointed lawyer Amir Hossain for Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and Zayed Bin Amzad for former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, cross-examined the deponents. Notably, Al Mamun has sought status as a state approver, a move the tribunal acknowledged on July 10, 2025, which could alter the dynamics of the Shaikh Hasina case by incorporating insider testimony.
This phase of ICT records testimonies builds on earlier sessions; for instance, by Sunday, September 8, 2025, 39 witnesses had already deposed, according to official records. The progression reflects the tribunal’s efficiency in handling a case that has drawn international scrutiny, with proceedings conducted in a secure courtroom in Dhaka to ensure witness safety.
Prominent Voices in ICT Records Testimonies
Nahid Islam’s deposition, heard on Thursday, September 19, 2025, highlighted the role of security forces in escalating the violence. He recounted how protesters faced live ammunition despite peaceful demands for quota reforms. Similarly, the testimony of Abu Sayed’s father evoked the human cost, emphasising the need for accountability in the Shaikh Hasina case. These accounts, recorded verbatim, form the evidentiary backbone, with transcripts set for formal submission once the full slate concludes.
Dr Mahmudur Rahman’s evidence focused on censorship efforts, alleging that state directives stifled reporting on the uprising’s scale. Such details not only illuminate the breadth of alleged abuses but also tie into broader patterns observed in the ICT records testimonies, where over 50 individuals corroborated themes of premeditated repression.
Next Steps in the Shaikh Hasina Case
The tribunal has scheduled the 52nd witness—the Special Investigating Officer (SIO)—to testify on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM. This deposition could prove crucial, as it involves presentation of seized materials from Hasina’s communications. ICT Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim stated in a video message: “The SIO had seized several phone conversations of the former Prime Minister, which will be played during his testimony, subject to tribunal approval.” If approved, these recordings may be broadcast live on the tribunal’s website and electronic media, enhancing transparency in the Shaikh Hasina case.
Following this, ICT-1 will proceed to the trial phase, with opening arguments anticipated shortly thereafter. The urgency stems from the charge-framing order issued on July 10, 2025, mandating swift adjudication to prevent delays in addressing the uprising’s toll.
Background
The Shaikh Hasina case emerges from the cataclysmic events of July-August 2024, when student protests against job quotas morphed into a nationwide revolt against Hasina’s 15-year tenure. Security forces’ response resulted in widespread casualties, prompting Hasina’s flight to India and the installation of an interim government under Muhammad Yunus. Parallel to this, Hasina faces two additional crimes against humanity charges at separate tribunals: one for over 3,500 enforced disappearances during her regime, and another for the 2013 mass killing of Hefajat-e-Islam supporters at Shapla Chattar in Dhaka.
ICT-2 is concurrently handling related matters, including forensic verification of audio clips purportedly showing Hasina authorising lethal force. A forensic expert testified on Monday, September 22, 2025, confirming a voice match in one such recording, further bolstering the prosecution’s narrative in interconnected ICT records testimonies.
These cases, filed under complaints from uprising victims, exemplify Bangladesh’s renewed commitment to the 1973 Act, amended in 2013 to align with international norms. The dual-tribunal approach ensures comprehensive coverage, with over 100 complaints registered post-uprising.
As the Shaikh Hasina case moves towards verdict, it signals a broader reckoning, where ICT records testimonies not only document past horrors but also safeguard against future ones, fostering a more equitable South Asian polity.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, September 24th, 2025
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