Bangladesh Tribunal Charges Ex-PM Hasina with Mass Murder

Dhaka: Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Sunday formally indicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two former top officials on charges including mass murder, over their alleged involvement in last year’s violent crackdown on student-led protests. This in-absentia trial begins nearly ten months after Hasina’s government was ousted in the wake of the nationwide unrest.

The three-judge tribunal took cognizance of the allegations, declaring that the prosecution had presented sufficient grounds to initiate proceedings. A fresh arrest warrant was also issued for Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. The third accused, former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, has been detained and will face trial in person.

Prosecutors allege that Hasina exercised absolute authority in directing the brutal suppression of mass protests, while the other two officials facilitated and abetted the violence. All three have been charged under the doctrine of command responsibility. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam went further, urging the tribunal to declare the Awami League, Hasina’s political party, a criminal organisation, arguing that the crimes were committed along partisan lines.

If convicted under the ICT-BD law, the accused could face the death penalty.

In a first for Bangladesh, the trial was broadcast live on national television. However, tensions escalated early Sunday morning when three homemade bombs were thrown near the tribunal’s entrance. Two exploded, while the third was safely defused. Police are analyzing CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators.

Hasina, who was ousted on August 5 last year, currently faces several cases in Bangladesh. The interim government had earlier issued an international arrest warrant and requested her deportation from India through a diplomatic note. While New Delhi confirmed receiving the request, it has not responded publicly.

Most senior leaders from the Awami League, including cabinet ministers and advisors, are already in custody, facing charges related to the July–August 2024 crackdown. A UN human rights report stated that approximately 1,400 people were killed between July 15 and August 15 last year, including students and law enforcement personnel. The report added that violence persisted even after Hasina’s fall from power, deepening the political crisis in the country.

The tribunal’s proceedings mark a historic turning point for Bangladesh, potentially reshaping its political and legal landscape.