New Delhi: In July 2024, Bangladesh witnessed a student-led uprising that rapidly evolved into a nationwide protest against the government.
Demonstrators demanded political reform, accountability, and an end to alleged abuses of power.
The unrest culminated in the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August, paving the way for an interim administration led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus.
On Thursday, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)—a special Bangladeshi court tasked with prosecuting serious international offenses—formally ordered the initiation of trials against Sheikh Hasina. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam, speaking to reporters, stated, “Sheikh Hasina ordered the shooting and killing of protesters during the July Movement. The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has asked for the trial against her.”
Alongside Hasina, the ICT has charged former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun for crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the July uprising. A 3-member bench, led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mozumder, framed five distinct charges, accusing the trio of orchestrating murders, torching bodies, and other inhumane acts across Bangladesh.
Earlier this week, the tribunal also found Hasina guilty of contempt of court. On Wednesday, the same three judge panel sentenced her to six months’ imprisonment after considering a complaint filed on April 30 by the Chief Prosecutor. That petition arose from public remarks made by Hasina and Awami League leader Shakil Alam Bulbul regarding the July uprising cases.
For the contempt hearing, senior lawyer A Y Moshiuzzaman was appointed as amicus curiae to ensure a thorough examination.
During Thursday’s session, only former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun appeared in court; the other accused were represented by their legal teams.
