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Sheikh Hasina Verdict Updates: Bangladesh braced for a tense afternoon on Monday as the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) convicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two senior former officials, in a case that has sharply polarised the country and triggered a fresh wave of violence across the capital.

Sixteen months after the military-backed interim government removed Hasina from power, Dhaka has descended once again into political unrest. In the last 48 hours, the city has witnessed arson attacks, cocktail explosions and tense street confrontations, prompting the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) to issue an unprecedented shoot-on-sight order.

Five Serious Charges Against Sheikh Hasina

According to Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam, the tribunal has framed five key charges against the former prime minister, all linked to alleged crimes against humanity during last July’s violent nationwide protests. These charges have led to growing calls from political opponents for Hasina to receive the death penalty. The core allegations include:

• Enforced Disappearance of Opposition Leaders: Investigators allege that multiple opposition activists and organisers were picked up by security units acting under Hasina’s authority, and were never seen again.

• Ordering Killings During July’s Violence: A damning investigative report submitted on May 12 claims that Hasina directly ordered violent crackdowns during the protests. At least 1,400 people, including women and children, were killed in the unrest, while nearly 25,000 others were injured.

• Murder of Abu Sayeed, a University Student: Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and ex-IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun have been charged with the alleged extrajudicial killing of Abu Sayeed, a student of Begum Rokeya University.

• Killings at Chankhar Pool, Dhaka: The prosecution alleges that six people were shot dead at Chankhar Bridge area under direct instructions issued from “the highest levels of government”.

• Murder of 13 People Including Burnings in Ashulia: The charge sheet lists the killing of 13 individuals, including five victims whose bodies were burned after being shot in Ashulia, and one person who was burned alive.

These charges prompted the interim government to revoke Hasina’s passport earlier this year.

 ALSO READ: Sheikh Hasina Drops Bombshell, Accuses Yunus Govt Of ‘State-Backed Violence’ Ahead of Crucial Tribunal Verdict

Dhaka Sees Fresh Violence Ahead of Verdict

A two-day strike called by the Awami League has coincided with rising street violence. Nine arson attacks were reported in areas including Mirpur, Hatirjheel, Agargaon, New Eskaton, and near the Airport railway station.

On Sunday night, multiple cocktail blasts were reported:

• Two explosions outside the residence of environmental advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Central Road

• Another blast near Bangla Motor

• Two explosions in front of Titumir College and Amtali Square

• A bus set ablaze, adding to public panic

Security forces have been deployed across Dhaka, with checkpoints, patrols and rapid-response units stationed near key government installations.

ALSO READ: Sheikh Hasina’s Son Predicts Death Sentence, Warns Of ‘Bigger Protests, More Shutdowns’ Ahead Of ICT Verdict

In an interview with NDTV, Hasina dismissed the trial as politically engineered. “The so-called International Criminal Tribunal is neither international nor a tribunal,” she said, calling it “a hatchet job controlled by my political opponents”. The Awami League has echoed her criticism, calling the proceedings rushed and irregular, alleging coerced witnesses and restricted defence access.

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