B’desh court orders trial against former PM Sheikh Hasina

Dhaka

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh has ordered a trial against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her role during the July Movement of 2024. This movement, led by students, aimed to remove her government and resulted in her being ousted from power in August last year.

Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam announced that Hasina is accused of ordering shootings and killings of protesters. The tribunal also charged former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Only Mamun appeared in court during Thursday’s session.

A three-member tribunal led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder filed five charges, including crimes against humanity and murder. The hearings will start on August 3 and 4.

Earlier this week, Hasina was also sentenced to six months in jail in a contempt of court case. She and Awami League leader Shakil Alam Bulbul were accused of making offensive comments about the tribunal.

The ICT claims that Hasina ordered violent acts, including shootings and burning of bodies, to stop protests and stay in power. After she was removed, a temporary government was set up under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

The tribunal suggests that Hasina was the main planner behind these acts. Her trial marks a big moment in Bangladesh's efforts to address serious crimes and bring justice to victims.

Many people in Bangladesh now wait to see if this high-profile case will bring closure and help the country move forward from its violent political past.