Bangladesh: Hasina crimes case hearing set July 1
A hearing is scheduled for July 1 in a case concerning crimes against humanity allegedly committed by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the violent suppression of a mass uprising that took place between July and August of the previous year. The case accuses them of ordering and orchestrating brutal crackdowns on protesters, resulting in numerous deaths, injuries, and arrests. Human rights groups have called for accountability, while government officials have denied wrongdoing. The court will review initial evidence during the upcoming session.
Dhaka: Indictment Hearing Against Hasina, Others Set for July 1 in Crimes Against Humanity Case
The indictment hearing in a high-profile crimes against humanity case against Bangladesh’s deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina has been scheduled for July 1, the country’s International Crimes Tribunal announced on Tuesday.
The trio stands accused of orchestrating a violent crackdown during the July-August 2024 mass uprising, which ultimately led to the toppling of Hasina’s nearly 16-year rule. The charges stem from their alleged roles in mass killings, enforced disappearances, and other grave offenses during the nationwide unrest, according to a report by state-run BSS.
The tribunal had earlier issued a notice under rule 31 of the International Crimes (Tribunal-1) Rules of Procedure 2010 (Amendment 2025), directing the accused to present themselves before the court by June 24, 2025. The notice also warned that the trial would proceed in their absence under section 10A of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973 if they failed to appear.
Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted from power on August 5 last year amid a massive student-led uprising, has since fled the country and is believed to be residing in India. The uprising was marked by widespread protests and clashes with security forces that reportedly led to numerous civilian deaths and disappearances, drawing strong condemnation from international human rights bodies.
The prosecution has formally brought five charges against Hasina, Kamal, and Al-Mamun, including accusations of ordering mass violence and suppressing dissent with lethal force. The tribunal’s investigation agency filed its final probe report in the case on May 12, detailing evidence that allegedly implicates the former leaders in crimes against humanity and mass killings.
In the absence of the accused, the court announced that it would appoint state defence counsel to represent Hasina and Kamal during the proceedings. The upcoming hearing is expected to mark a significant chapter in Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to address human rights abuses and hold former officials accountable.