Formal charges against Hasina today
Staff Reporter :
The Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), Advocate Tazul Islam, announced that formal charges will be submitted today (Sunday) against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun in connection with alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July-August uprising.
The announcement was made during a discussion titled “Ensure Immediate Trial of Those Involved in Enforced Disappearances”, held on Saturday morning at the National Press Club, marking the
International Week of the Disappeared.
According to Advocate Islam, the Tribunal’s Investigation Agency submitted its final report on 12 May.
The report allegedly includes a “direct audio instruction” from the former Prime Minister, which is claimed to implicate her in the violent events. Forensic analysis of the audio recording and other pieces of evidence have reportedly been submitted to the court.
“The findings of the investigation indicate that the massacre was premeditated,” said the Chief Prosecutor. “There is compelling evidence suggesting the direct involvement of Sheikh Hasina and her close associates.”
The case concerns the violent government crackdown during the July-August uprising, which drew strong criticism from both domestic and international human rights organisations.
Should the court accept the charges, it would represent a significant development in the ICT’s proceedings on crimes against humanity in Bangladesh.