Dhaka: The courtroom of the International Crimes Tribunal‑1 (ICT-1) in Bangladesh has begun delivering its verdict in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two of her associates, with the presiding judge stating that Hasina “used force to cling to power” during the mass protests of July–August 2024.

The judge revealed that Hasina allegedly ordered the use of helicopters and lethal weapons to suppress student protesters, referencing an alleged conversation between her and then South Dhaka mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh. ADVERTISEMENT

Approximately 1,400 people were killed and around 24,000 injured during the unrest, the tribunal heard, with the security forces under Hasina’s orders deploying firearms and helicopters in Dhaka on August 5, 2024. Medical aid was reportedl

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