Dhaka, November 17, 2025 

Bangladesh is on high alert as the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) prepares to announce its verdict today in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two senior officials. The charges relate to alleged crimes against humanity during the major demonstrations that took place in July last year. Alongside Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun are also accused. Al-Mamun, who is already in custody, has reportedly pleaded guilty.

The verdict from the three-member Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, is expected this afternoon. In anticipation, Dhaka has been placed under the tightest security seen in recent years. On Sunday evening, DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali issued a rare “shoot-at-sight” order directed at anyone involved in arson, explosions, or attempts to harm civilians or police. The announcement came as the capital witnessed a sudden surge in unrest ahead of the verdict.

A two-day strike called by Hasina’s Awami League, running from November 16 to 17, has overlapped with increasing violence in the city. Over the past 48 hours, there have been nine arson attacks and several small explosions across key areas including Mirpur, Hatirjheel, Agargaon, New Eskaton, and near the Airport railway station. Authorities have been on constant alert as tensions rise.

Sheikh Hasina, speaking recently to This Week in Asia, strongly criticised the Tribunal, calling the proceedings politically driven. She argued that the protests last year—initially peaceful—turned into violent mobs, prompting government intervention. She dismissed the ICT as lacking legitimacy, claiming it was being used as a tool by her political rivals.

According to Hasina, the Tribunal is “neither international, nor even a tribunal,” and she accused the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus of manipulating the process to ensure a guilty verdict. She maintained that the case is designed to undermine the Awami League’s political future.

The Awami League has also echoed these accusations, saying that many legal and human rights experts are deeply worried about the fairness of the trial. They argue that the process has shown serious irregularities, including rushed judicial appointments, questionable evidence, and restricted defence rights. Critics claim these issues make the trial appear politically motivated rather than a genuine pursuit of justice.

As Dhaka braces for the verdict, uncertainty hangs heavy over the city. For many citizens, the outcome may shape not only Hasina’s political fate but also the future direction of Bangladesh’s democratic institutions.

 Dhaka Tense as Bangladesh ICT Prepares to Deliver Verdict on Sheikh Hasina

Dhaka stands on edge today as the ICT prepares to announce its verdict on Sheikh Hasina and two former top officials. The city is under extraordinary security after a sudden spike in arson attacks and explosions, turning the atmosphere tense and unpredictable. With a rare shoot-at-sight order in place and a two-day strike already fueling unrest, the capital feels like it’s holding its breath for what comes next.

Hasina has called the trial politically motivated, claiming the Tribunal is being used to silence her party and rewrite the political landscape. Supporters echo concerns that the process feels rushed, unfair, and designed to reach one outcome. Meanwhile, critics warn that the rising violence could push Dhaka into an even deeper crisis.

As the verdict approaches, the nation waits to see not just what the judges decide, but what the streets will say in response. Today’s judgment could alter Bangladesh’s political path, and everyone knows the consequences may not end in the courtroom.