Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was formally accused of crime against humanity on Sunday. The case is related to allegedly ordering mass murders during nationwide protests last year. During the Live TV hearing, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Crime Tribunal (ICT) Mohammad Tajul Islam said the violence was “employed and coordinated”, not a sudden response.
The hearing was broadcast live on government Bangladesh television – this is the first time that such action has been broadcast in the history of the country. In its initial statement, Islam said, “On examining the evidence, we came to the conclusion that it was a coordinated, broad and systematic attack. The accused deployed all law enforcement agencies and members of his armed party to crush the rebellion.”
According to the United Nations estimate, between July and August 2024, when the Hasina government initiated action on protests, 1,400 people were killed.
The movement began under the leadership of students against reservation in public sector jobs, turned into the biggest unrest in Bangladesh after independence in 1971. Hasina fled to India soon after the violence.
Hasina is now living in exile in India. He has rejected these allegations as politically motivated.
Former police chief Chaudhary Abdullah al Mamoon is also accused in this case, who is currently in custody, but did not appear in court. Apart from this, former Home Minister Asadujman Khan is also a Kamal accused, who is also believed to be hidden.
Islam said, “This is not a revenge action, but a commitment to the principle that there is no place for crimes against humanity in a democratic country.”
In his investigation, officials have collected video footage, audio recording, Hasina’s phone conversation, helicopter and drone activity log, and statements of victims of action.
