Bangladesh’s war crimes tribunal begins trial of ousted PM Hasina for crimes against humanity

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Sunday launched in-absentia proceedings against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing her of crimes against humanity in connection with last year’s brutal crackdown on student-led demonstrations.

In his opening remarks, Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam appointed by the interim government, described Hasina as the “nucleus of all crimes” and pressed for the severest punishment under law.

The case also implicates Hasina’s closest associates former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-police chief Chowdhury Abdullaah Al Mamun as co-conspirators.  

At the heart of the charges are allegations of state-directed killings and torture during the July-August 2024 protests spearheaded by the Students Against Discrimination (SAD). The movement eventually led to the collapse of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024.

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While Hasina and Kamal are being tried in absentia, Mamun is currently in custody and has agreed to testify as an “approver” in the case.

Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 5 last year amid escalating unrest and is currently residing in India.

Former home minister Kamal reportedly too later took refuge in the neighbouring country.

The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has sought Hasina’s extradition, but India has yet to respond to the request.

The ICT, originally established to prosecute war crimes from Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, indicted Hasina, Kamal, and Mamun on July 10.

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Last month, Hasina was also sentenced to six months in prison in absentia in a contempt of court case by the ICT.

It marked the first time that the 77-year-old Awami League leader has been sentenced in any case since she left office in August last year.

According to a UN rights office report, up to 1,400 people were killed between July 15 and August 15 last year as Hasina’s government ordered a security crackdown on protesters.

With inputs from agencies