ICT-BD Delivers Verdict in 2024 Student Protest Case
Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) sentenced three police officers to death on 28 June 2026 for their roles in the 2024 student protest that resulted in multiple casualties. The three-judge panel also handed down a life term to a police sub-inspector and a 20-year prison sentence to an assistant sub-inspector, the only accused who faced the trial in person.
Details of the Sentences
The death penalty was imposed on three officers found guilty of murder and crimes against humanity during the crackdown on student protesters in 2024. The life sentence was given to a sub-inspector, while the assistant sub-inspector received 20 years of imprisonment. The tribunal's decision comes after a lengthy trial that examined evidence of excessive force used against demonstrators.
Impact and Reactions
The verdict has been met with mixed reactions. Human rights groups welcomed the accountability, while police unions expressed concern over the severity. According to court officials, the trial was conducted under the ICT-BD's mandate to address serious crimes. The assistant sub-inspector, present in court, was the only defendant to hear the sentence in person; the others remain at large.
