Staff Reporter :
In a significant development in Bangladesh’s post-revolution justice process, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Sunday formally charged former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina with five counts of crimes against humanity.
The charges relate to her alleged role in the state’s response to the July 2024 mass protests, widely referred to as the Monsoon Revolution.
The comprehensive 8,747-page charge sheet, which includes a 135-page formal indictment and extensive documentary, audio, and video
evidence, was submitted to the tribunal at 12:15 p.m. and broadcast live on state television, BTV. A total of 81 witnesses are scheduled to testify in the case.
Sheikh Hasina, who left the country following her government’s removal in August 2024, stands accused of directing a campaign of violence against unarmed demonstrators. Also indicted are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.
While the former police chief is currently in custody, both Hasina and Khan remain at large. The tribunal has issued arrest warrants for all three and has directed that they be presented before the court on 16 June.
The Five Charges are systematic violence and complicity, extermination orders, targeted killing of Abu Sayed, Chankharpul incident and Ashulia tragedy.
The first charge alleges that the accused were responsible for murder, attempted murder, torture, and other inhumane acts carried out by security forces and armed affiliates of the then-ruling Awami League. These acts are said to have been committed with the full knowledge and approval of the accused.
The second count claims that Sheikh Hasina personally authorised the use of helicopters, drones, and live ammunition to suppress student-led demonstrations. These orders were reportedly implemented under the supervision of Kamal and Al-Mamun.
The third charge relates to the death of student protester Abu Sayed near Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur. Prosecutors allege that he was shot at close range shortly after inflammatory public remarks attributed to Hasina.
The fourth count addresses the killing of six unarmed protesters in the Chankharpul area of Dhaka on 5 August. Prosecutors argue that the incident was part of a coordinated operation involving law enforcement and political activists.
The fifth and most serious charge accuses the defendants of involvement in the killing and burning of six student protesters in Ashulia. One of the victims was reportedly burned alive. Prosecutors have described this as among the most brutal incidents in recent memory.
Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam emphasised, “This is not an act of retribution but a commitment to ensuring that such crimes against humanity are never repeated.” He asserted that the charges are substantiated by extensive evidence and reiterated the tribunal’s resolve to uphold justice.
The tribunal has summoned the accused to appear on 16 June 2025. Should they fail to do so, the court may proceed with the trial in absentia.
This case is one of three currently pending against Sheikh Hasina in the restructured tribunal. The other cases involve allegations of enforced disappearances during her 15-year tenure and the state’s response to the Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar.
