Sheikh Hasina Trial Verdict Today: Shutdown Calls, Attacks And Massive Crackdown Across Bangladesh

Bangladesh remained on edge overnight as security forces intensified vigilance across Dhaka and several other regions ahead of Monday's crucial verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been charged with alleged crimes against humanity. The ruling will be delivered by the International Crimes Tribunal-Bangladesh (ICT-BD).

The tense build-up came amid scattered incidents of arson and crude bomb attacks reported late Sunday. Authorities ordered a strict security clampdown after Hasina's now-disbanded Awami League announced a two-day shutdown ahead of the verdict.

On Sunday night, unidentified attackers set ablaze the vehicle dumping area of a police station complex and detonated two crude bombs outside the residence of an advisory council member working under interim government chief Professor Muhammad Yunus. Several intersections in the capital also witnessed explosions.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) issued shoot-on-sight orders for violent protesters as tensions escalated. DMP Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali said that he had instructed officers to shoot anyone attempting to set buses on fire or hurl crude bombs with intent to kill, noting that the authority for such action is provided under existing law.

Since November 10, Dhaka has faced a wave of mostly pre-dawn attacks, including crude bomb blasts outside the Grameen Bank headquarters in Mirpur, an institution founded by Professor Yunus. Several branches of the bank have also been targeted in coordinated arson and petrol bomb attacks.

In recent days, attackers have torched multiple parked buses. One driver sleeping inside a vehicle died in such an incident.

Hasina-currently in India-along with her former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, faced trial in absentia. A third accused, former police chief Abdullah Al Mamun, was tried in person and turned "approver", apparently seeking leniency.

ICT-BD prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim confirmed that the prosecution has sought the death penalty for the 78-year-old former prime minister. He also said the prosecution requested seizure of the convicted individuals' property for distribution among families of martyrs and injured victims of last year's violent street protests.

According to prosecutors, Hasina cannot appeal in the Supreme Court's Appellate Division unless she is arrested or voluntarily surrenders within 30 days of the verdict.

Authorities said the judgment would be broadcast live on state-run BTV, with selected portions aired after final approval from the tribunal. Large screens will also relay the proceedings at several locations in Dhaka, and the verdict will be streamed on ICT-BD's official Facebook page.

In an audio message posted on the Awami League's Facebook page overnight, Hasina rejected all charges, calling them baseless. She urged party workers not to panic, saying the country had seen similar attacks and cases before and that it was "just a matter of time".

Retired lieutenant general Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, the interim government's home affairs adviser, said the verdict-"whatever it is"-would be carried out.

Security has been tightened across Bangladesh to prevent any potential law-and-order disruptions.

Hasina, her senior colleagues and several Awami League leaders are accused of offences that include murder, corruption, abuse of power and other serious charges. Monday's verdict pertains specifically to five counts of alleged crimes against humanity linked to last year's July Uprising.

These allegations involve murders, attempted murders, torture, the use of lethal force against unarmed student protesters, orders deploying lethal weapons, helicopters and drones, and targeted killings in Rangpur and Dhaka.

Hasina has vehemently denied all allegations and has accused interim leader Professor Yunus of orchestrating her ouster. Calling him a "usurper", she claimed the charges were fabricated and asserted that "if someone makes a false complaint in court, he is tried under law, and one day it will happen".

Citing Article 7(B) of Bangladesh's Constitution, Hasina said that anyone who forcibly removes elected representatives from power should face punishment, adding, "Yunus just did it."

With PTI Input