So far, 45 witnesses have testified, including Investigation Officer Md. Alamgir. The question now being asked by victims’ families and justice seekers is: when will Hasina’s trial reach its conclusion, and what hurdles remain before a verdict is delivered?
What the Chief Prosecutor Says
Chief Prosecutor Advocate Mohammad Tajul Islam confirmed that the case against Hasina and three others is progressing.
“The testimony will be completed soon,” he said. “After that, the case will move to the next stage according to the law.”
When asked about the timeline for a final verdict, however, he replied: “I cannot say.”
Prosecution Sources: Testimonies Nearing Completion
According to prosecution sources, only two or three more witnesses are expected before testimony concludes. Once the investigation officer gives his statement and undergoes cross-examination, the testimony phase will end.
Because the key accused are absconding, there will be no opportunity for defense witnesses to testify. Prosecutors say this may expedite the trial.
The next stage will include arguments and closing statements from both sides. After that, the tribunal may either announce its verdict immediately or set a later date for the decision. Several prosecution sources believe that efforts will be made to secure at least one or two verdicts — including this case — before the next general election.
The Formal Charges
The prosecution’s formal complaint describes Sheikh Hasina as the “mastermind” of the July 2024 atrocities. She is accused of planning, ordering, and overseeing systematic attacks on unarmed protesters, with support from members of her cabinet, parliament, law enforcement agencies, and leaders of the Awami League and its affiliates.
The charges also implicate former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun. While Kamal remains at large alongside Hasina, Mamun has testified as a state (royal) witness in hopes of securing immunity.
Defense Standpoint
State-appointed defense lawyer Amir Hossain said: “Testimony is being taken on behalf of the prosecution in the case. Once testimony is complete, the trial will proceed step by step toward settlement.”
Five Major Incidents of Crimes Against Humanity
The formal charges outline five specific incidents of crimes against humanity, ranging from mass killings to the use of helicopters and drones against student protesters, to targeted killings and cover-ups. According to prosecution documents, over 1,500 people were killed and more than 25,000 injured nationwide between July 14 and August 5, 2024. Victims were allegedly denied medical treatment, mass graves were created, and bodies were burned to destroy evidence.
The charges also highlight phone conversations between Hasina and senior officials, including the then Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor ASM Maqsud Kamal and Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, where orders to use lethal weapons on protesters were allegedly issued.
International Attention
The atrocities of July 2024 have been widely reported in domestic and international media and cited in reports by global organizations, including the United Nations. Prosecutors argue that the scale and notoriety of these crimes make them subject to “Common Knowledge Judicial Notice” under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act.
The Road Ahead
As testimony nears completion, attention now turns to how swiftly the tribunal can move through legal arguments and toward a verdict. For victims and their families, the central question remains unanswered: when will Sheikh Hasina’s trial in the genocide case finally end?
