Know about the two key witnesses who helped secure death sentence for former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina

Dhaka (The Uttam Hindu): In a historic and sensational decision, Bangladesh's International Court of Justice (ICT) has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death. The court has found Sheikh Hasina guilty of the July 2024 student uprising. It should be noted that in July 2024, students in Dhaka launched a massive revolt against the Sheikh Hasina government. Police firing to suppress this revolt resulted in the deaths of 1,400 people, for which the court has now held Hasina responsible.

The most shocking thing about this entire case is that two of Sheikh Hasina's most trusted men played a crucial role in bringing her to the gallows. It is being said that if these two men had not supported the prosecution, gathering evidence against Sheikh Hasina would have been nearly impossible.

Who are these two people?

1. Waqar-uz-Zaman (Army Chief): Waqar is currently the Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh and is believed to be a relative of Sheikh Hasina. Sheikh Hasina herself appointed him to this important position in June 2024. According to the former Home Minister of Bangladesh, Waqar allegedly colluded with the US and, at their behest, failed to control the rioters. When the situation spiraled out of control, he informed Hasina. It was Waqar who advised Sheikh Hasina to resign and assured her that she could return to power as soon as the situation calmed down. However, as soon as Hasina left the country, Waqar initiated the process of forming an interim government.

2. Al Mamun (Former Inspector General of Police): Al Mamun was the former Chief of Police (IGP) of Bangladesh. He was implicated, along with Sheikh Hasina, in the July uprising. However, during the trial, Al Mamun became a government witness. Mamun gave several high-profile testimony before the court, revealing details that had previously been merely a topic of discussion. Shortly after Mamun agreed to become a government witness, an audio clip went viral in Bangladesh. In this audio clip, Sheikh Hasina allegedly ordered the police chief to fire on the rebels. Al Mamun's role as a government witness paid off; the court sentenced him to five years in prison, despite having already served 17 months in prison.

All eyes are now on India

Bangladesh's interim government is preparing to issue a warrant for Sheikh Hasina through Interpol. This warrant will be submitted to the Indian government. After this, it will be up to India to decide on Sheikh Hasina's extradition.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh is scheduled for general elections in the next six months. The largest party, the BNP, has indicated a softening of its stance on Sheikh Hasina's case. BNP General Secretary Mirza Fakhrul said, "We will not engage in vendetta politics. If we come to power, we will withdraw the cases against Sheikh Hasina." However, the BNP has not clarified what kind of cases they will withdraw.