Sheikh Hasina Indicted: A Look into Bangladesh's Controversial Trial

Trial of Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Begins

Dhaka: The International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh has formally charged former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina along with two others with multiple offenses, including mass murder, linked to the violent suppression of student protests last year.

This trial in absentia commenced nearly ten months after Hasina's government was ousted following widespread protests.

The three-judge panel acknowledged the charges after the prosecution accused the defendants of using excessive force to quell the demonstrations.

A new arrest warrant was issued for Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, while the third accused, Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, the former inspector general of police, is currently in custody.

The prosecution claims Hasina wielded her power to brutally suppress the protests, while the others face charges of instigation and complicity.

All three are held accountable under the principle of superior command responsibility.

Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam requested the court to classify the Awami League as a criminal entity due to the politically motivated nature of the alleged crimes.

If found guilty, Hasina and her co-defendants could face the death penalty under ICT-BD laws.

Notably, this trial marks the first time tribunal proceedings have been broadcast live on television in Bangladesh.

The trial was set to start at 9:30 AM but faced delays after three crude bombs were detonated near the tribunal's entrance shortly before the proceedings began.

Authorities reported that two bombs exploded, while the third was safely defused as they worked to identify the perpetrators through CCTV footage.

Following her ousting on August 5 last year, Hasina is facing several legal challenges in Bangladesh.

The ICT-BD had previously issued an arrest warrant for her, and the interim government has requested her extradition from India, which has only acknowledged receipt of the request without further comment.

Numerous senior officials and leaders from Hasina's party have been arrested on charges related to mass murder during the protests that occurred in July and August last year, resulting in hundreds of fatalities, including students and police officers.

A report from a UN rights office indicated that approximately 1,400 individuals lost their lives between July 15 and August 15 last year, with violence persisting even after Hasina's regime fell.