Families of the deceased and injured July fighters in Chattogram have expressed satisfaction over the International Crimes Tribunal’s verdict sentencing ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to death.

Describing the verdict as the final victory of 5 August, they demanded speedy execution of it and said they would withhold full celebrations until then.

Talking to the Daily Sun immediate after the verdict was announced, July martyr Wasim Akram’s father Shafi Alam said, “Like the nation, I feel relieved by this verdict.”

“Not only Hasina, every identified killer, attacker, and mastermind must get the capital punishment,” Alam said struggling to hold back tears.

Wasim was a student and Chhatra Dal leader of Chattogram Government College. 

Omar Gani MES College student and martyred Faisal Ahmed Shanto’s mother Kohinur Akhter said the verdict brought her some peace, though nothing could ever bring her son back.

“Until the sentence is executed, I cannot be at peace fully,” she said.

“I urge the Bangladesh government and the international community to take all necessary steps to ensure Hasina’s extradition and execution as early as possible,” she stated.

“Shanto dreamed of a fair, exploitation-free Bangladesh. My son embraced martyrdom for that vision. I want to see that dream fulfilled,” Akhter said with a heavy heart.

Shuvo Hossain, a master’s student of Chittagong University, who lost an eye in firing by Chhatra League activists, demanded full implementation of all delivered sentences and proper investigation of the pending cases.

“No youth should ever have to die on the streets again for justice,” he lamented adding that the local perpetrators in Chattogram must also be brought back and prosecuted.

“The souls of Wasim and others will find peace only when justice is executed,” Shuvo observed.

Notably, some 14 people were killed and more than 900 injured in gunfire and attacks by leaders and activists of Awami League, it affiliated organisations and law enforcement agencies during the July uprising last year. Many of survivors were left permanently disabled.

Although 151 cases were filed, investigation of only one has been completed in the 18 months - raising concerns among victims’ families.

In this regard, Shanto’s mother Kahinur Akhter expressed frustration saying that justice in the country remains uncertain.

“I see no significant progress in Shanto’s case. We want all investigations completed quickly and justice delivered,” she said.