Prosecution seeks death penalty for Inu on appeal

The prosecution has appealed against the 10-year prison sentence imposed on former information minister and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) president Hasanul Haq Inu, seeking to have the punishment raised to the death penalty in a crimes-against-humanity case.

Prosecutor Gazi M H Tamim said the appeal was filed with the relevant division of the Supreme Court on Monday morning, contending that the sentence handed down by International Crimes Tribunal-2 was manifestly inadequate. On June 30, the tribunal sentenced Inu to 10 years' imprisonment on each of three charges of crimes against humanity; however, it ordered the sentences to run concurrently, meaning he will serve a total of 10 years. Subsequently, the prosecution challenged the punishment as insufficient, citing several grounds in support of its plea for a more severe penalty.

The case has progressed steadily since its inception. The investigation began on March 25, 2025, and the prosecution submitted its investigation report on September 11 before filing formal charges with the tribunal on September 25. Following hearings by both sides, the tribunal framed charges on November 2, after which the trial formally commenced with opening statements on November 30.

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During the proceedings, the prosecution presented 10 witnesses, whereas the defence produced two. Meanwhile, the latest appeal represents the prosecution's formal bid to overturn the concurrent 10-year sentence and secure the maximum penalty.