Sheikh Hasina Indicted in Absentia for Crimes Against Humanity: What’s Next?

Trial Set for Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

Dhaka: A special tribunal in Bangladesh has indicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in absentia on charges related to crimes against humanity, stemming from a violent crackdown on protesters during the uprising in July and August of the previous year.

The International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh (ICT-BD) has scheduled the trial to commence on August 3.

The charges have been framed against Hasina, along with her home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and the then inspector general of police, Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, as confirmed by a prosecution lawyer.

The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, issued this order after dismissing a defense motion to drop the charges. The tribunal also includes Justices Md Shofiul Alam Mahmood and Md Mohitul Haq Enam Chowdhury.

Prosecutors have indicated that Hasina and her co-defendants face five serious charges, including mass killings, murder, and torture aimed at suppressing the protests during last year’s uprising.

If found guilty, the defendants could potentially face the death penalty.

A report from a UN rights office indicated that approximately 1,400 individuals lost their lives between July 15 and August 15 last year due to the government's crackdown on demonstrators.

This indictment marks the first formal trial against the 72-year-old Hasina and her co-defendants for alleged crimes against humanity.

Following her ousting on August 5 last year due to a significant student-led protest, Hasina has faced multiple legal challenges in Bangladesh.

Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, the only defendant present in court, admitted guilt during the tribunal proceedings, with prosecutors noting his willingness to testify in favor of the prosecution at a later date.

During the indictment session, the former police chief expressed his readiness to provide a statement supporting the prosecution, with the judge indicating that a decision on his status as an approver would be made later.

Mamun's attorney revealed that the ex-police chief is prepared to act as a state witness, acknowledging his involvement during the tumultuous protests.

The ICT-BD's investigative agency submitted its report on May 12, detailing five charges against the trio.

The prosecution claims that Hasina delivered an inciting speech on July 14, 2024, instructing law enforcement to eliminate protesters using helicopters, drones, and lethal force.

Additionally, the three defendants are accused of directing law enforcement to collaborate with the Awami League and orchestrate attacks on innocent students and civilians in Dhaka’s Chankharpul and Ashulia areas on August 5, as part of a broader strategy to quash the protests.

Originally established during the Awami League's governance in 2010, the ICT-BD was tasked with prosecuting those who collaborated with Pakistani forces during Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War for crimes against humanity.

The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has now decided to prosecute Hasina in the same tribunal on similar charges.