For the first time, formal charges have been brought against former prime minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, her former home minister and her inspector general of police in connection with the deadly July 2024 mass uprising that left over 1,500 people dead.
International Crimes Tribunal chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam announced at a press briefing on Monday that Hasina, also the president of Awami League, has been accused of five counts, including abetment, facilitation, conspiracy, and failure to prevent crimes against humanity committed during the student-led uprising.
鈥楾his is the first formal charge against her, despite her name being mentioned in hundreds of cases relating to enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and other alleged crimes during her 15 years in power,鈥� said Tajul.
He said that a formal charge sheet against Hasina and two of her associates is expected to be submitted soon for trial proceedings to begin.
He said that Hasina fled to India on August 5, 2024, amid the mass protests.
When asked about the delay in issuing a red notice against the absconding accused, Tajul said, 鈥業nterpol must follow certain procedures. Only they can explain the delay.鈥�
Tajul stated that evidence submitted includes video footage, newspaper clippings, and recordings of Hasina鈥檚 public statements, particularly a live press briefing on July 14, 2024, where she allegedly made inflammatory remarks against protesters.
鈥楽he is accused of inciting and directing state forces鈥攊ncluding law enforcement, ruling party activists, and affiliated organisations鈥攖o attack, kill, and injure unarmed demonstrators,鈥� he said.
Two of the charges specifically related to abetment and instigation through her public statements, which, according to prosecutors, directly contributed to the widespread violence.
The chief prosecutor said that although the killings amounted to 鈥榤ass murder,鈥� they do not qualify as genocide under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act.
However, he asserted that the atrocities fall within the scope of crimes against humanity.
鈥楽heikh Hasina has been held responsible under the doctrine of superior responsibility for failing to prevent the killings, and in some cases, directly ordering them,鈥� Tajul added.
The prosecution team, comprising 13 colleagues and several members of the investigation agency, appeared beside Tajul at the press briefing held at the tribunal鈥檚 temporary courtroom.