Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal, despite its name, functions entirely as a domestic court. Operating under national laws, it faces criticism for political influence, limited safeguards, selective prosecutions and lacking genuine international legitimacy.

The International Crimes Tribunal is, in the South Asian context, primarily a domestic special court system in Bangladesh, which was set up to investigate and prosecute individuals accused of committing major atrocities during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

Bangladesh’s capital and major cities are calm despite a call for a nationwide shutdown by supporters of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The International Crimes Tribunal handed down death sentences in absentia to Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Monday for their involvement in deadly force used against protesters last year.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised serious concerns over whether the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh met international fair trial standards in the conviction of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.

Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of the BNP’s Standing Committee said the verdict of Sheikh Hasina will set a precedent against fascism and dictatorship. He said: “Justice has been served at the International Crimes Tribunal.