Abu Jakir :
Following the resignation and subsequent escape of Sheikh Hasina on 5th August, the former Prime Minister now faces a growing number of legal challenges, with new cases being filed almost daily against her and other senior Awami League leaders.
The charges, many of which are serious criminal accusations, include murder, abduction, and crimes against humanity.
These escalating legal battles are contributing to an already volatile political landscape in the country.
On Saturday, another murder case was lodged against Sheikh Hasina, former Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Nowfel, and 32 others in Chattogram.
This brings the total number of cases against the former Prime Minister to nine, including six for murder, one for abduction, and two for crimes against humanity and genocide in connection with recent student protests that lasted over a month.
The latest case involves the death of Tanvir Siddique, a 19-year-old Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinee from Ashekan Awlia Degree College.
Siddique was shot dead during a clash between protesters and police, alongside Awami League activists, during the quota reform movement on 18th July in Chattogram’s Bahaddarhat area.
The case was filed by Tanvir’s uncle, Mohammad Parvez, at the Chandgaon Police Station, confirmed Officer-in-Charge Jahidul Kabir.
This case follows a similar pattern of legal action being taken across the country.
On Friday, a murder case was filed in Bogura against Sheikh Hasina, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, and 99 other local Awami League leaders and activists.
The case, filed by Sikandar Hossain, the father of 35-year-old teacher Selim Hossain, who was allegedly killed by Awami League activists during a protest in Bogura, highlights the unrest and violence that preceded Hasina’s resignation.
In another case, Sheikh Hasina and key party members have been accused of involvement in the killing of CNG-run auto-rickshaw driver Shahabuddin in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area on 5th August.
The complaint was filed by Shahabuddin’s father, Abul Kalam, after an appeal to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court in Dhaka.
The accusations against Hasina and her allies extend beyond murder.
On 14th August, a significant case was filed with the International Crimes Tribunal, charging Sheikh Hasina and eight others with crimes against humanity and genocide.
These charges relate to the deaths and injuries of students and civilians during the prolonged student protests, including the killing of class 9 student Alif Ahmed Siam in Savar.
The legal troubles for the former Prime Minister do not solely focus on recent events. Earlier this week, another case was filed accusing Sheikh Hasina and several former ministers of the abduction and torture of Supreme Court lawyer Sohel Rana in 2015.
The list of accused includes former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former Law Minister Anisul Huq, signalling a deepening crisis for the former ruling party.