Joint Statement from UK-Based Bangladeshi Journalists
on the ICT Verdict Against Sheikh Hasina,
We, Bangladeshi journalists working across print, electronic, and online media in the United Kingdom, express our profound alarm and grave concern regarding the November 17 verdict delivered by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).
This ruling, which sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death in absentia for alleged crimes against humanity, has sent deep shockwaves through Bangladesh and its global diaspora. Far from delivering legitimate justice and accountability, this verdict signals a dangerous and perilous descent into political vengeance cloaked in legal formality. The speed of the trial, its fundamental lack of transparency, and the wholesale denial of basic legal rights have drawn sharp, widespread condemnation from international bodies.
Amnesty International unequivocally stated : “This trial and sentence is neither fair nor just. Victims need justice and accountability, yet the death penalty simply compounds human rights violations. It’s the ultimate cruel, degrading and inhuman punishment and has no place in any justice process.”Secretary General Agnès Callamard specifically emphasized that the ICT lacks independence and has a history of politically influenced proceedings.
Human Rights Watch echoed these concerns: “All criminal proceedings need to meet international fair trial standards. Trials in absentia fundamentally undermine the right to a fair trial.”
HRW further noted that Ms. Hasina was denied the right to choose her own counsel, and the defense was reportedly unable to effectively cross-examine witnesses or present counter-evidence.
The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) expressed regret over the imposition of the death penalty, stating: “We oppose the death penalty in all circumstances. The verdicts mark an important moment for victims, but justice must be delivered through fair and impartial processes”.
These unanimous statements from respected global bodies powerfully reinforce our alarm over the flagrant politicization of justice and the profound erosion of democratic norms in Bangladesh.
Our Position
We stand united in the conviction that the rule of law must prevail without prejudice.
We Believe:
• Justice must be impartial, transparent, and absolutely free from political or governmental interference.
• Every citizen—regardless of political status—is entitled to a fair, robust, and transparent trial under international legal standards.
• The ICT’s conduct in this case violates fundamental international legal standards and severely undermines public trust in the independence of the Bangladeshi judiciary.
We Are Deeply Disturbed By:
• The denial of legal representation to Sheikh Hasina and the compulsory appointment of a government-aligned lawyer without her consent.
• Credible reports of mob intimidation against lawyers who attempted to represent the defense.
• The exclusion of international observers and the tribunal’s persistent, documented lack of institutional independence.
Our Demands for Justice and Accountability
In the face of this judicial crisis, we make the following urgent demands:
1. Independent International Investigation: We demand a full, independent international investigation into the July–August 2024 killings and all related human rights violations.
2. Annulment and Retrial: The immediate annulment of the current verdict and the initiation of a retrial under a fully transparent and impartial process that adheres to established international fair trial standards.
3. Judicial Protection: The immediate and absolute protection of the judiciary from all forms of political and administrative interference.
4. Equal Legal Rights: Guaranteed equal legal rights for all parties, including the unfettered freedom to appoint counsel of choice and present evidence without obstruction.
5. Verdicts Based on Law: That all future verdicts be based solely on law, truth, and verified evidence—not political pressure, prejudice, or bias.
We stand in unwavering defense of democracy, press freedom, and the rule of law. Justice is the lifeblood of any nation; a state that abandons it invites irreversible crisis. Bangladesh, with its proud history and resilient people, deserves a government and a judiciary that upholds these sacred principles.
Signed by:
1/ Abu Musa Hasan – Advisory Editor ,Sottobani
2/ Shamim Chowdhury – Senior journalist, former BBC Bangla head
3/ Syed Badrul Ahsan, journalist, political analyst and writer
4/ Ashequn Nabi Chowdhury – Editor Protect Bangladesh and former Press Minister, United Kingdom
5/Urmi Mazhar – Senior Journalist, London,
6/Masuda Bhatti – Senior Journalist, London
7/ Syed Anas Pasha – Senior Journalist Editor Satyabani.
8/Hamid Mohammad – Senior Journalist, Poet, London
9/ Sujat Mansur – Journalist, Columnist, Researcher
10/ Dilu Naser – Journalist, Poet, Lyricist, London1
11/ Samir Mahmud – Senior Journalist, London, Former General Secretary, Sylhet District Press Club
12/Sayem Chowdhury – Editor, Bilet
13/ Ahad Chowdhury Babu – Senior Journalist, London
14/ Subash Das – Senior Journalist, London
15/ Sushanta Das Gupta – Editor, Publisher Daily Amar Habiganj
16/ Milton Rahman – Senior journalist, poet
17/ Tanvir Ahmed – Editor-in-Chief, Politika News, London
18/ Juyel Raaj -Editor and Publisher “Bricklane”
19/Mokis Mansur Chairman UK BD TV, Wales
20/ Kamrul I Russell – Reporter, Channel S London 21/Afzal Hossain – Editor I News,
22/ Isha Khan Rashed Head of Multimedia I News,
23/Aminul Haque Wes – CEO Focus TV, Manchester 24/Azizul Ambia – President, UK Online Press Club,
25/Apu Roy – Graphics and Web Director, Bricklane News
26/ Shah Mostafizur Rahman Belal – Editor Bridge Bangla News
27/ Suez Mia – Editor Voice of Tower Hamlets
28/ Arjun Manna, Editor NENEWS.NEWS
29/ Suman Debnath – Journalist Columnist Hall Humber
30/Prashant Das Sushant – Journalist, Columnist London
31/Mohammad Qalandar Talukder – Journalist Bradford
32/Dr. Anisur Rahman Anis – Journalist, Columnist
33/Abdul Quader Chowdhury Murad – Senior Journalist London
34 / shibbir ahmed shuvo – Journalist ,burnly ,maManchester.
35/ Ashraful Wahid Dulal – Journalist, Birmingham
36/ Nahid Ahmed Jaigidar – Photo journalist, London
37/ Shah Shamim Ahmed – Senior journalist, poet
38/ Abul Azad – Journalist, Liverpool
39/ Sheikh Asabur Rahman Surat – Senior Journalist, Liverpool
40/ Zia Uddin Talukder – Journalist, Birmingham
41/Syed Sadeq Ahmed – Editor 71 News, Oldham
42/Mizanur Rahmam Miru – TV presenter
43/Mukit Chowdhury Setu – Chairman TV 21
44/ Nurunnabi Ali – Sampadik NL 24
45/ Syed Hilal Saif – Journalist and Poet
46 Ali Bebul – Special Correspondent, Map TV
47/ Abhishek Jiku – Journalist, London
48/ Rumi Haque – Journalist, Home and Abroad, London.
49/Pauline Rahman – Journalist Columnist
50/Dr. Zainul Abedin Rose – Daily Bangladesh Samachar
51/Sohel Sarkar – Daily Sonali Samoyed
52/ Sarwar Kabir – Journalist, London
53/ Abu Sufyan – Journalist, London
54/ Zubair Ahmed – Former DBC Correspondent, London
55/ Abu Sayeed Chowdhury Sadi – Journalist,
Liverpool
Message sender on behalf of the joint statement
Juyel Raaj, Editor and Publisher
“Bricklane”
