DHAKA, Bangladesh (Independent) – Prosecutors in Bangladesh have formally charged former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina with crimes against humanity over her alleged role in last year’s deadly crackdown on anti-government protests.
The charges stem from a student-led movement that escalated into a nationwide uprising against Hasina’s 15-year rule. The unrest, which erupted in July and continued through August, was met with a violent response from state forces. According to UN estimates, up to 1,400 people were killed during the monsoon protests in Dhaka.
Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) concluded that Hasina “directly ordered” security forces, members of her Awami League party, and affiliated groups to carry out coordinated operations that resulted in mass casualties. “It was a widespread and systematic attack,” said ICT chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam. “The accused unleashed law enforcement and armed party members to crush the uprising.”
Hasina, along with two senior officials, faces charges of abetment, incitement, conspiracy, and failure to prevent mass murder. Prosecutors argue that, as head of government, she bears ultimate responsibility for the actions of security forces during the crackdown.
In October last year, the ICT issued arrest warrants for Hasina and 45 of her cabinet ministers, advisors, and military officials. She fled to India by helicopter and remains in New Delhi, evading extradition.
Following her departure, a caretaker government was installed, led by Nobel laureate and longtime Hasina critic Muhammad Yunus. Nearly a year later, Bangladeshis await fresh elections, expected by June next year.
In a controversial move, the Election Commission recently revoked the Awami League’s registration, barring it from participating in the upcoming vote. The interim government has also banned all political activities, including media publications, online content, and public gatherings, until trials of party leaders and activists are concluded.
