Bangladesh starts trial of deposed ex-PM Sheikh Hasina

A year after Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country following the July Uprising, the interim government, headed by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, is on track to bring Hasina to justice over crimes against humanity committed during the deadly uprising.

Ever since Hasina was removed from office, a number of cases have been filed against her and her government over alleged abuses.

But how is Bangladesh really handling the cases against the former prime minister and other officials of her government?

ICT opens trial against Hasina over crimes against humanity

Earlier this month, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), the very court that was established under Hasina’s administration in 2019, commenced the trial against the former prime minister over crimes against humanity related to the violent 2024 student-led protests.

In his opening statement, Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam said Hasina is the “nucleus of all crimes.”

Hasina is facing charges of crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, conspiracy, incitement and abetment during the July 2024 uprising, which cost the lives of over 1,400 people, including children.

Aside from Hasina, two of her top aides – former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullaah Al Mamun – were also named as co-accused in the case.

Mamun had already pleaded guilty and is expected to testify against Hasina.

During the first trial, a witness came forward and asked for justice for what he had been through.

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Government assures trial to continue with or without Hasina

For now, the trial is proceeding in absentia as Hasina has been staying in India since her government collapsed.

As the trial progresses, the prosecution said it would present testimonies from individuals injured during the protests and eyewitnesses to the violence.

Since the interim government took over the temporary leadership in the country, Yunus has sought Hasina’s extradition and has been demanding that the Indian government cooperate and allow the former prime minister to face trial at home.

As of now, the Indian government has yet to respond to the country’s request.

Despite this, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain assured that the trial will continue whether Hasina comes or not.

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