 "In a first, Bangladesh to broadcast ex-PM Sheikh Hasina's trial live on TV")
For the first time in Bangladesh’s history, the country’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has decided to broadcast all proceedings against Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on live television. In a run-up to the highly publicised hearing, the Bangladeshi ICT has issued multiple arrest warrants against the deposed Prime Minister and other members of her Awami League, including ex-military generals and a former police chief.
They will be tried in court for their alleged role in forced disappearances, Prothom Alo reported. On June 1, formal charges against Hasina will be filed in the tribunal, the chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Tajul Islam, told reporters. “We are determined to move forward with the judicial process," Islam was quoted as saying by Prothom Alo.
Meanwhile, ICT prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim confirmed the live broadcast of the proceedings. He noted that, subject to the tribunal’s permission, the court proceedings will be broadcast live on Bangladesh Television (BTV) at 9:30 am (local time) on Sunday.
Bangladesh tries its former PM
While speaking to reporters, Islam referred to Sheikh Hasina as the “nucleus of enforced disappearances" and the “Ayna Ghar" (secret detention centre), Prothom Alo reported. He stated that the judicial process against the former PM and her aides is moving ahead at full speed. However, the completion of the investigation will take some time.
The ICT chief prosecutor mentioned that ICT has broadly identified the structure of the crimes and those responsible, while it is currently working on ensuring the arrests of those involved in the disappearances.
It is pertinent to note that the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has intensified its crackdown against Hasina, who was ousted after student-led protests toppled her 15-year-long reign in August 2024. Hasina’s Awami League Party is already banned in the country, while several of its leaders have been imprisoned.
Last month, the ICT issued a show-cause notice to Sheikh Hasina and her aide in a contempt of court case. The tribunal alleged that Hasina had interfered in the judicial process and issued threats to the tribunal.
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