In a historic and politically charged development, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has indicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two of her top officials for alleged crimes against humanity tied to last year’s brutal suppression of a mass uprising. The tribunal, headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder along with Justices Shafiul Alam Masud and Mohitul Enam Chowdhury, formally charged Hasina on Thursday for her government’s violent response to the student-led protests in July 2024. The trial is scheduled to begin on August 3 with opening statements and witness testimonies. Hasina, who was ousted after ruling for 15 years, currently lives in self-imposed exile in India and has rejected the tribunal as politically driven.
The charges revolve around the deadly crackdown that unfolded during the peak of civil unrest last year, when protests swept across Dhaka and other cities over allegations of corruption, censorship, and authoritarian governance. Human rights observers estimate that the crackdown left hundreds dead and many others disappeared. Alongside Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-police chief Chowdhury Abdullah al-Mamun were also indicted. While al-Mamun is in custody and appeared in court, Kamal remains at large, reportedly residing abroad. The tribunal stated that the indictments are based on credible evidence of state-sanctioned violence against unarmed demonstrators and civilian dissenters.
Earlier this month, the ICT sentenced Hasina in absentia to six months in prison for contempt of court — the first formal conviction she has received since her fall from power. Prosecutors say the contempt ruling will take effect if she is arrested or returns voluntarily. Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam emphasized that Thursday’s indictment marks a critical turning point in holding former leaders accountable for human rights violations. However, Hasina’s supporters and critics of the tribunal claim the proceedings are part of a political vendetta aimed at permanently sidelining the longtime Awami League leader from Bangladeshi politics. As the trial date nears, international human rights groups and South Asian observers will be watching closely to assess whether the process adheres to fair trial standards.
