Dhaka, Oct 17: The chief prosecutor of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has demanded the death penalty for deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, calling her the “mastermind and principal architect” behind alleged crimes against humanity during last year’s mass protests.Hasina, 78, was ousted in August 2024 after a massive student-led uprising.
A UN report claims around 1,400 people were killed between July 15 and August 15 as her government cracked down on protesters.
Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam told the tribunal that Hasina deserved “no mercy” and should be sentenced to death for ordering the killings.
“For the murder of 1,400 people, she ought to have been hanged 1,400 times,” he said, adding that the punishment should serve as a warning for future leaders.
The prosecution also sought the death penalty for former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, describing him as part of a “Gang of Four” responsible for suppressing the protests.
Former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who turned approver, is being considered separately by the tribunal.
Hasina and Kamal are believed to be in India, having fled Bangladesh amid the unrest.
The interim government under Muhammad Yunus has requested their extradition, but India has yet to respond.
The prosecution brought five charges of crimes against humanity and mass killings based on an investigation completed in May.
The tribunal formally charged the trio on July 10.
A total of 54 witnesses testified, and the defence cross-examined them.
The ICT-BD was originally created to try 1971 war crimes suspects, but the current government amended the law to prosecute former regime figures, including Hasina.
Her supporters argue the charges are politically motivated, with most senior Awami League leaders now jailed or in hiding abroad.