Dhaka, Monday, Nov 17, 2025
-1763386862.webp "Pressure Mounts for Clarification, but India Unlikely to Send Hasina Back")
India has maintained an uninterrupted silence after Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal handed down a death sentence to ex-PM Sheikh Hasina on charges of crimes against humanity. But senior Indian officials have privately indicated to the BBC that the verdict has not altered New Delhi’s position — nor is there any question of handing her over to Dhaka.Since Hasina arrived in India on 5 August 2024, Delhi’s stance has remained unchanged: she is being given temporary shelter purely for her “protection and security” amid an exceptional situation. Even after Sunday’s announcement of the tribunal’s ruling, India sees no reason to revisit the decision to host her.This raises an immediate question: what happens now to Bangladesh’s formal request for her return, sent under the countries’ extradition treaty? India acknowledged receiving Dhaka’s note verbale within two days last December, but has not commented publicly since. With the tribunal’s judgment now out, officials accept that ...
National Citizens’ Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam said the party is satisfied with the death sentence handed down to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in the case over last year’s July mass killing, but insisted that the Awami League as a political party must also be brought to justice.Speaking to reporters at the NCP’s central office on Monday, Nahid said the verdict is against “individual Hasina,” but the Awami League, as a political organisation, was also involved in the mass killing and other acts deemed crimes against humanity.This verdict proves the party’s role. Our appeal to the tribunal is to begin the trial of the Awami League now. As a party, they are equally responsible. Hasina, as party chief and head of government, ordered and planned the mass killing,” he said.Calling for the swift execution of the verdict, he added, “She must be brought back within a month and the ...
Akhter Hossen, member secretary of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), has urged the government to swiftly execute the death sentence handed down to ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in the case filed over crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July mass uprising.In a video message on Monday afternoon, Akhter said the souls of those killed would find peace not merely through the announcement of the verdict but through its execution.AWe are waiting, and we call upon the government to execute Sheikh Hasina’s death sentence without delay,” he said.Akhter said the capital punishment handed to Hasina is “the rightful justice,” adding that carrying out the order would ensure accountability for her alleged mass killings and crimes against humanity.He also urged the Indian government not to provide refuge to Hasina.Hasina is a killer; she killed people and oppressed them. We call on the Indian government not to shelter her but ...
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has urged the country’s people to maintain patience, vigilance and unity amid what he described as a critical juncture for the nation.In a post on his verified Facebook page on Monday afternoon, Dr Shafiq said Bangladesh now stands “at an important crossroads”, marked by political tension, social unrest and prolonged uncertainty, where justice, truth and people’s rights must be upheld above all.“We firmly believe a nation truly progresses only when legitimacy, justice, transparency and public opinion are given the highest respect. The time demands that we rise above personality-centric politics and establish a principle-based political culture,” he wrote.Dr Shafiq said Jamaat’s movement is not against any individual but is rooted in justice, rights, democracy and freedom.We want a Bangladesh where every citizen can express their views safely, where justice is impartial, and where change comes through peaceful democratic means,” he said.In his concluding remarks, ...
The interim government has urged people from all walks of life to remain calm and exercise restraint following the death sentence handed down to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in a case over crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July uprising.In a statement issued on Monday afternoon, the government described the death sentences of Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal as a “historic verdict”.“Recognising the profound significance of the ruling, the interim government calls upon all citizens to stay peaceful, restrained and responsible,” it said.The government made a special appeal to everyone to refrain from any unruly behaviour, provocation, violence or unlawful activities in the aftermath of the verdict.It acknowledged that the ruling may naturally stir emotions—particularly among the families of those killed during the July uprising—but warned that no one should allow such emotions to lead to actions that could disrupt public order.“The government also ...
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday said Danish company APM Terminals’ investment in the Laldia Terminal marks the beginning of a new era for Bangladesh’s trade and foreign direct investment.This is a new beginning for the country. It opens a new door for larger and more diversified investment from Denmark and Europe,” Professor Yunus said.He made the remarks when a delegation from the Maersk Group and the Danish government called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.Robert Maersk Uggla, chairman of the Maersk Group—which owns APM (AP Møller–Maersk) Terminals—led the delegation. Danish State Minister for Trade and Investment Nina Gandløse Hansen also attended the meeting.Uggla, who came to Dhaka to attend the Laldia Terminal inauguration ceremony, said his company’s investment in the Chittagong Port terminal would be the largest by any European company in Bangladesh.He said that once the Laldia Terminal becomes operational in 2030, it ...
-1763372193.webp "Sheikh Hasina must surrender within a month to appeal, says prosecution")
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, sentenced to death in a case over crimes against humanity during last year’s July mass uprising, will not be able to appeal unless she surrenders within a month, the prosecution said Monday.Briefing reporters after the verdict, Prosecutor Gazi Monowar said Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both absconding, cannot exercise their right to appeal.“Under the Tribunal law, an appeal must be filed within 30 days of the verdict. However, to avail the appeal process, the convicted must surrender or be arrested by law enforcement,” he said.Alongside Hasina, the court also sentenced Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death. Former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun received a five-year jail term. The verdict also ordered the confiscation of Hasina’s and Asaduzzaman Kamal’s properties to be handed over to the families of the July martyrs. The court ruled that all three were guilty of crimes against humanity.On ...
-1763370162.webp "Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death in July Humanitarian Crimes Case")
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death in a case over crimes against humanity committed during the July mass uprising.A three-member bench of the ICT-1, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mazumder, delivered the verdict around 2:50 pm on Monday.Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death on the second charge of the case, while life imprisonment was handed down on the first charge.Following the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August 2024, the ICT was reconstituted. The first case in the reconstituted tribunal, related to crimes against humanity during the July mass uprising, was filed against Sheikh Hasina. The tribunal’s first hearing in this case was held on 17 October last year, when a warrant for Sheikh Hasina’s arrest was issued.Initially, Sheikh Hasina was the sole accused in the case. On 16 March this year, the prosecution applied to include former IGP Chowdhury ...
Members of the Bangladesh Army halted two bulldozers heading toward Dhanmondi 32 on Monday afternoon, triggering clashes between students, protesters and law enforcers.Witnesses said demonstrators have since blocked one side of Mirpur Road, causing significant traffic disruption.The incident occurred around 1 pm.Earlier, around noon, students and protesters began marching from the main gate of Dhaka College toward Dhanmondi 32 with two bulldozers, chanting slogans demanding the execution of Sheikh Hasina and protesting what they described as acts of sabotage by expelled Awami League leaders and activists.As the procession reached the area near House 32, law enforcers attempted to disperse them, leading to chase-and-counter-chase.Protesters continued demonstrating at the spot, reiterating their demand for the execution of Sheikh Hasina.They also declared that “no trace of dictatorship will be allowed in the country” and claimed they want to see a playground established at the site of House 32.
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday instructed all district administrators to carry out their duties in the upcoming national election and referendum with absolute integrity, neutrality and dedication, saying this is not a conventional election but “an election to save the country.”He made the remarks while addressing 50 newly appointed deputy commissioners, along with administrators from all 64 districts, at the Chief Adviser’s Office.Terming the upcoming vote more than just a routine five-yearly national election, the Chief Adviser said the addition of a referendum makes it “far more consequential”.This is a completely different kind of election. The nation has witnessed many farcical elections in the past. It is our responsibility to rise above those memories,” he said.This is a post-uprising election — an election meant to complete the people’s uprising. The direction of the nation for the next century will be determined through this vote,” he added.Underscoring the critical ...
As the International Crimes Tribunal began delivering the long-awaited verdict against former ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and two other accused in a crimes against humanity case, a group of agitated youths marched toward Dhanmondi 32 with bulldozers on Monday afternoon.Witnesses said two bulldozers were brought out in a procession by several young men near Dhaka City College, and the group was seen advancing toward Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence at Dhanmondi 32.Participants in the procession identified themselves as activists of different student bodies.However, they did not disclose under which banner they had gathered or why they were moving toward Dhanmondi 32 with heavy construction machinery.Concerned quarters fear that such a display of heavy equipment on the streets—moments before the tribunal’s high-profile verdict—could further intensify political tension in the capital. They also stressed the need for maximum alertness from law enforcers to maintain stability.
State-appointed counsel for Sheikh Hasina, Amir Hossain, has expressed hope that his client will be acquitted in the case filed over the July–August killings.Speaking to reporters on Monday at the International Crimes Tribunal premises, Amir said, “I hope my client Sheikh Hasina will be acquitted. This is my hope, my expectation. Naturally, I can have such expectations. I’m saying this from the heart.”He added, “I have handled this case for months for one person. If she is acquitted, who would be happier than me?”When asked about communication with Sheikh Hasina, the lawyer replied, “I did not try to contact her, and there is no legal scope to do so. She also made no attempt to contact me or offer any assistance.”“Even if there had been any indirect support, it would have benefited me. But no one did anything, and legally there is no provision for that,” he said.Amir Hossain refused ...
-1763360332.webp "Nation Awaiting Verdict on Hasina: Fakhrul")
The nation is waiting for the verdict in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said.In a post from his verified Facebook account around 10:15am on Monday, Fakhrul wrote that the court in Dhaka is set to deliver the ruling against Sheikh Hasina within hours.I hope a fair trial, consistent with international standards, will be ensured. The nation is waiting!” he added.The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is set to deliver its verdict today (Monday) in the war crimes case filed against Hasina and two other accused — the first such ruling related to crimes against humanity committed during the mass uprising.The judgment will be announced by a three-member bench of International Crimes Tribunal-1, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar. The other members are Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired District and Sessions Judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.Strict security has been ...
A grandmother and her two young grandchildren were brutally murdered in Khulna’s Labanchara area on Sunday, in what police suspect to be a targeted attack linked to a land dispute.Police said the victims were the 55-year-old grandmother, her grandson Mustakim (8) and granddaughter Fatiha (7)—both first-grade students at a local madrasa. All three were allegedly beaten to death with bricks or a blunt object in the afternoon.The children’s parents—Shahiton Nesa, an employee at the Ramphal Land Office in Bagerhat, and Shifar Ahmed, who works at the Khulna Chamber of Commerce—returned home at night after work and discovered the bodies. As both parents work full-time, the grandmother regularly took care of the children.Hearing Shahiton’s screams, neighbours rushed to the house and later alerted police. Officers reached the spot, recovered the bodies, and sent them to Khulna Medical College Hospital morgue.Police believe the killings occurred sometime after noon. “The victims were attacked ...
Five passengers were killed after a speeding bus rammed into a stationary dump truck in Sitakunda, Chattogram.Police said three people died on the spot, while two others succumbed to their injuries after being taken to hospital.Among the victims identified so far are— Md Shah Alam, 55, a worker of Youngone Garments from Cumilla; police constable Md Kamal, 45, from Chhagalnaiya in Feni; and Md Jasim, 40, from Hinguli in Cumilla.Around 20 passengers were injured in the crash, confirmed Md Jakir Rabbani, in-charge of Kumeria Highway Police Outpost.Witness Nurul Mumin said a Chattogram-bound CDM Paribahan bus lost control while trying to avoid a motorcycle and crashed into a dump truck parked beside the highway. The impact was so severe that parts of the bus roof were torn off. Fire Service teams later joined the rescue operation.Several survivors said the driver had been recklessly speeding from the beginning of the trip despite ...
A fire broke out late Sunday night at the dumping yard of South Keraniganj Police Station, with locals alleging that miscreants set the blaze intentionally.Residents said the fire started sometime after 10pm, burning a dumped leguna at the site before firefighters brought the situation under control.Two units of the Fire Service rushed to the scene and doused the flames. No casualties were reported in the incident.South Keraniganj Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Akhtar Hossain said a fire did occur, but police are yet to confirm whether it was an act of arson or triggered accidentally from the waste at the dumping yard.
-1763317745.webp "38% Children Hit by Lead Poisoning in Bangladesh, Alarming Rise in Child Risks")
Over 38% of Bangladeshi children aged 12–59 months now have unsafe blood lead levels, according to the preliminary findings released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and UNICEF, which also flagged sharp rises in wasting, child labour, and maternal health risks.UNICEF Representative Rana Flowers said the findings capture “both progress and deepening threats,” noting that while child mortality and child marriage rates have improved, lead poisoning, malnutrition and child labour are depriving millions of children of their potential.The survey shows Dhaka is the worst affected by lead exposure, with 65% of children recording dangerous levels. Lead contamination spans all wealth groups—affecting over half of children in the richest households and 30% in poorer families.Malnutrition has worsened: wasting increased from 9.8% in 2019 to 12.9% in 2025, while maternal anaemia stands at 52.8%. The adolescent birth rate rose from 83 to 92 per 1,000 girls, underscoring growing maternal health challenges.Child ...
Seven crude bombs exploded in different parts of the capital on Sunday evening, triggering panic among pedestrians, though no casualties were reported.Two crude bombs went off in front of the residence of Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, on Central Road.Around 7:30 pm, another explosion occurred under the Pallabi metro station.Similar incidents took place in front of the National Citizens Party (NCP) offices in Karwan Bazar and Banglamotor around 9:30 pm.In Badda, a crude bomb explosion was reported, and unidentified miscreants set a bus on fire in the area.Another explosion was reported on Station Road in Tongi the same evening.Earlier, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali instructed officers to take tough action, including opening fire if necessary, against anyone involved in arson attacks or throwing crude bombs at vehicles.Sunday’s violence followed unrest linked to a ...
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali has directed police to open fire on anyone attempting to set vehicles on fire or throw petrol bombs.The instruction was announced on Sunday afternoon during a live radio broadcast.Speaking to the media, Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali said, “If anyone sets fire to a bus or throws petrol bombs, and attacks the police, officers have been instructed to fire. This is allowed under the law. I have asked the force to perform their duties within the legal framework.”A similar directive was issued last week by the Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner during the prohibition of an Awami League ‘lockdown’ programme. The DMP announcement came five days later.The announcement comes ahead of the verdict in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and three others at the International Crimes Tribunal, scheduled for Monday, 17 November. The Awami League has called an online ...
The Supreme Court has turned to the Bangladesh Army for assistance to ensure heightened security around the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) as the verdict in the crimes against humanity case involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others is scheduled for Monday.Supreme Court Special Officer Mohammad Muazzem Hossain confirmed on Sunday that a letter had been sent to Army Headquarters requesting “flawless security” in and around the tribunal. He noted that a similar appeal was made last Thursday following the announcement of the verdict date.ICT-1 is set to deliver its judgment in a case related to alleged crimes during last year’s July uprising. The other two accused in the case are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, the latter of whom appeared as a state witness.The Awami League, whose organisational activities remain banned, has called for a “complete shutdown” on ...