Bangladesh Tribunal Hands Death Sentence To Former Official, Crimes Against Humanity Proven, Courtroom Erupts

Dhaka, Bangladesh— A tribunal in Dhaka sentenced a former senior official to death at 11:30 a.m. on October 30, 2026, after finding him guilty of crimes against humanity committed during a period of state crackdowns in 2018-2019.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 delivered the verdict after seven years of hearings. The bench of three judges found the accused, former State Minister for Home Affairs, Mohammad Shahidul Islam, responsible for ordering detentions, torture, and extrajudicial killings. The charges covered 12 separate incidents.

Prosecutors said Islam ran a joint task force that targeted opposition activists and journalists. Witnesses described secret detention sites in Dhaka and Rajshahi. One survivor testified he was held for 87 days without charge. Another said he saw three men shot after interrogation. The tribunal accepted 42 prosecution witnesses.

“The evidence shows a pattern of command responsibility and direct orders,” said prosecutor Tureen Afroz in court. “These were not isolated acts. They were planned and systematic.”

Defense lawyers argued the trial relied on political testimony and lacked forensic proof. They said Islam was abroad during several incidents and had no operational control. “We reject this verdict entirely,” said defense counsel Abdur Razzak. “We will appeal to the Appellate Division within 30 days.”

Security was heavy across Dhaka. Police sealed roads around the tribunal. The Daily Star reported crowds gathered outside, including families of victims who held photos of missing relatives. No violence was reported. The courtroom itself was silent when the presiding judge read the sentence.

Bangladesh’s war crimes tribunals have faced criticism over due process, but also strong public support from victims’ groups. The court said it had reviewed more than 3,000 pages of documents, including internal memos that bore Islam’s signature authorizing raids.

Human rights groups noted the death penalty remains legal in Bangladesh for such crimes. The government said the verdict proves accountability is possible through domestic courts.

Tonight Islam remains in the high-security wing of Dhaka Central Jail. The prosecution has 30 days to file execution procedures if the appeal fails. The appellate hearing has not been scheduled.