Published: 11th June 2025
The English Chronicle Online
In a momentous legal development that has sent shockwaves through both Bangladesh and the international community, a special court has formally indicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for crimes against humanity. The charges, which also implicate two of her former aides — Asaduzzaman Khan, the former home minister, and Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, the former police chief — stem from their roles in the violent crackdown on a massive uprising that resulted in Hasina’s ouster from power in 2024.
The trial officially began on Thursday, when a three-member panel of judges from the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) ordered the commencement of proceedings against Hasina, Khan, and Mamun. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam confirmed that the tribunal has set the dates of August 3 and 4 for the prosecution’s statement. This marks the beginning of what promises to be one of the most significant legal cases in Bangladesh’s recent history, with profound implications not just for the accused, but for the nation’s future.
Mamun, currently in custody, has already pleaded guilty to some of the charges and has petitioned to become a state witness in the case. However, the trial will proceed in absentia for the two other defendants, as both Hasina and Khan are not present in the country at this time. Hasina, who was ousted from power in August 2024 and subsequently fled to India, is facing several charges related to her alleged role in the suppression of the student-led protests, which turned into a nationwide uprising that forced her government’s collapse.
The student protests, which initially began in July 2024 as a demand for the abolition of the public job quota system, quickly escalated into a broader call for justice and political reform. What started as peaceful demonstrations soon spiraled into violent confrontations, with security forces deploying lethal force against the protesters. The situation came to a head on August 5, 2024, when Hasina’s government was forced to step down in the face of overwhelming public pressure and an increasingly volatile situation.
The prosecution’s case, which is centered around allegations of crimes against humanity, includes accusations that Hasina and her colleagues were directly responsible for the violent actions taken against the demonstrators. A UN fact-finding mission estimates that approximately 1,400 individuals lost their lives during the protests, further escalating the gravity of the situation. The prosecution has submitted audio recordings that allegedly capture Hasina instructing security forces to use lethal force against the protesters, along with other forms of evidence and witness testimonies, to support the charges against her.
Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam, in a statement to the press, declared: “The crimes committed in Bangladesh during the protests are widespread and systematic, clearly constituting crimes against humanity.” He elaborated that five separate charges have been raised against the accused, including incitement, provocation, issuing orders to kill, superior command responsibility, and participation in a joint criminal enterprise. The submission of these charges is part of an effort to hold those in positions of power accountable for their actions during a period of national crisis.
The implications of this trial reach far beyond the legal realm. The charges of crimes against humanity against a former prime minister represent a significant moment for Bangladesh’s political and legal landscape. It’s a moment that may alter not only the country’s view of Hasina and her tenure in office, but also set a precedent for future leaders who may be held accountable for actions that threaten the fundamental rights of the people.
For Hasina, the charges represent the culmination of years of political turmoil and controversy. The former prime minister, who has been a dominant figure in Bangladeshi politics for nearly two decades, is now facing a reckoning for the actions of her government. Despite being removed from office and having fled to India following the unrest, Hasina’s legacy remains deeply intertwined with the events that transpired during the 2024 uprising. The trial now represents an opportunity for both the government and the people of Bangladesh to seek justice and accountability for the lives lost during that tumultuous period.
The prosecution has made it clear that the scale of the charges is not limited to individual actions but also reflects the broader responsibility of those in power. “Superior command responsibility” is one of the charges being leveled against Hasina, which suggests that her role in the violent response was not just passive but active, with the expectation that those in positions of leadership must ensure that their orders do not lead to unlawful violence.
Witness testimonies and supporting documents are expected to be critical in this trial. These include testimonies from survivors of the protests and relatives of those who were killed, whose voices are now being heard in the courtroom. International human rights groups, as well as domestic activists, are closely following the proceedings, hoping for justice for the victims of the 2024 protests. Many have argued that the case has the potential to set an important precedent in the global fight for justice against human rights violations committed by political leaders.
For the Bangladeshi public, the trial is a highly charged matter. Many see the indictment as a crucial step toward holding leaders accountable for their actions, while others worry about the political implications of the case. Some supporters of Hasina have claimed that the trial is politically motivated, aimed at discrediting her and her political legacy, which has been a key force in shaping the country’s modern history. On the other hand, victims and their families, as well as human rights organizations, are viewing the trial as an opportunity for justice after what they describe as a brutal and unnecessary crackdown on peaceful protesters.
The trial also holds a wider significance in terms of the international community’s approach to accountability for crimes against humanity. Given the rising number of cases involving state-sanctioned violence against civilians, the outcome of this trial could influence how similar cases are treated in the future, particularly in countries experiencing political instability and unrest.
The next few months will be critical in determining not only the legal fate of Sheikh Hasina and her associates but also the broader political future of Bangladesh. With the trial set to proceed in the coming months, the world will be watching closely to see if justice is served in a case that has already become a touchstone for human rights, accountability, and the role of political power in times of crisis.
