Bangladesh court says Hasina deserves 'maximum punishment'

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun was brought to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Monday, just ahead of the verdict announcement in the crimes against humanity case. Al-Mamun is one of the accused in the case, which also names ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, but he is currently in custody and has reportedly turned state witness.  

The court outlined five key charges against the ousted prime minister, including:

• Planning and directing large-scale killings of protesters in Dhaka
• Authorising helicopters and drones to open fire on civilian gatherings
• The alleged murder of student leader Abu Sayed
• Ordering bodies to be burned in Ashulia to wipe out evidence
• Overseeing coordinated attacks that killed demonstrators in Chankharpul

During Monday’s pronouncement, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal outlined multiple findings against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is being tried in absentia.

The court cited several controversial remarks and directives attributed to Hasina, including a 14 July press conference where she allegedly made derogatory comments about the descendants of freedom fighters and Razakars. These statements were formally recorded in the judgment.

The tribunal also referred to telephonic conversations in which Hasina purportedly instructed authorities to “hang” protesters. According to the court, she allegedly ordered harsh action during last year’s student-led unrest, including the use of helicopters, drones and lethal weapons against demonstrators. The pronouncement further notes that she directed security agencies to torture, arrest and even kill armed civilian protesters.

The court said Hasina also communicated similar instructions to the Dhaka South mayor on 18 July, directing law enforcement to crack down on the agitation.

According to the tribunal, Hasina—along with the then home minister and police chief—has been found responsible for crimes against humanity. The court read out her alleged involvement case by case, noting that multiple charges were built on statements and evidence gathered during the investigation.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) chief, Sheikh Mohammad Sazzat Ali, has confirmed issuing a firm directive authorizing his officers to use firearms against anyone attempting acts of violence during potential demonstrations in the city. Specifically, the order targets individuals who try to set vehicles on fire or hurl crude bombs.

“Yes, I have given such directives. If anyone sets a bus on fire or throws a cocktail [crude bomb] and attacks police, will they sit idle?,” Ali was quoted by The Daily Star newspaper as saying.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy instructed state officials to gather detailed information regarding the bus accident in Saudi Arabia, given that several victims were reportedly residents of the city.

Chief Minister Reddy specifically directed Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao and DGP Shivadhar Reddy to immediately establish contact with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia to coordinate the state’s response.

A tragic bus accident occurred in Saudi Arabia when a bus transporting Indian Umrah pilgrims from Makkah to Madinah collided with a diesel tanker. The impact resulted in a massive fire, with at least 42 Indian nationals feared dead.

#BREAKING: Saudi Arabia bus crash: 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims feared dead in tanker collision

Bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims from Makkah to Madinah collided with a diesel tanker, triggering a massive fire. pic.twitter.com/lDx8QSMsRt

— JUST IN | World (@justinbroadcast) November 17, 2025

Following the devastating bus accident near Madinah involving Indian Umrah pilgrims, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah has issued a fresh statement and has established a 24-hour control room. This action was taken to provide assistance and information, with helpline numbers now issued for those affected by the tragedy.

Press Release on a tragic bus accident late last night involving Indian Umrah pilgrims, near Madinah, Saudi Arabia.@MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @IndianEmbRiyadh @diaspora_india @CPVIndia @SecretaryCPVOIA pic.twitter.com/kiNt3XY1aW

— India in Jeddah (@CGIJeddah) November 17, 2025

The son of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sajeeb Wazed, has issued a stark warning that a special tribunal is likely to sentence his mother to death. Hasina is currently facing charges of crimes against humanity for her administration’s deadly crackdown on protestors in 2024. Wazed, however, stressed that his mother remains secure in her exile in India.

In comments made to Reuters on Sunday, just before a Dhaka court was scheduled to deliver a televised verdict, Wazed also issued a political threat: he stated that Hasina’s supporters will block next year’s election unless the current ban on her political party is immediately lifted.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar publicly stated his deep dismay regarding the tragic bus accident in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, which involved numerous Indian nationals. He assured that the Indian diplomatic missions—the Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah—are offering their “fullest support” to the affected Indian citizens and their families. The Minister also extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and offered prayers for the rapid recovery of those who were injured in the accident.

Deeply shocked at the accident involving Indian nationals in Medinah, Saudi Arabia.

Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are giving fullest support to Indian nationals and families affected by this accident.

Sincere condolences to the bereaved families. Pray for the…

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 17, 2025