Bangladesh Tribunal Indicts Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina for Mass Murder
Dhaka (The Uttam Hindu): The International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh has indicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others on charges of mass murder and other crimes related to the violent crackdown on student-led protests last year. The tribunal's proceedings, which were broadcast live on television for the first time in Bangladesh's history, marked the beginning of Hasina's trial in absentia.
Charges and Accusations
The prosecution accused Hasina of exercising absolute authority to ruthlessly suppress the uprising, while the other two accused, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, were accused of provocation, complicity, abatement, instigation, and facilitation. All three were accused of superior command responsibility for the crimes.
Fresh Arrest Warrant and Potential Penalties
The tribunal issued a fresh arrest warrant against Hasina and Kamal, while Al-Mamun, who is in custody, will stand trial in person. If convicted, Hasina and the co-accused could face the death penalty under the ICT-BD law. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam urged the court to treat the Awami League as a criminal organization, citing the partisan nature of the crimes.
Background and Aftermath
The protests, which began as a student-led movement opposing public sector job quotas, escalated into one of the most violent episodes in Bangladesh's history, resulting in the deaths of over 1,400 people between July 15 and August 15 last year. Hasina's government was ousted on August 5, and she has since fled to India. The interim government has sought her repatriation, but New Delhi has only acknowledged receipt of the request without further comment.
Trial and Evidence
The case marks a significant milestone for the ICT, with investigators presenting evidence that includes phone recordings, drone logs, helicopter flight data and survivor testimony. The trial is seen as a crucial step towards holding those responsible for the violence accountable.