Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Sheikh Hasina faces trial in absentia on crimes against humanity charges

State-run TV is airing live courtroom sessions to showcase evidence of a coordinated campaign that killed over 1,400 people during last year’s protests

Image
Image
Image
FILE - Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reviews an honor guard during a welcome ceremony at the government house in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, April 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

Overview

  • On June 1, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal formally charged the exiled former prime minister with crimes against humanity for her role in the July–August 2024 protest crackdown.
  • Prosecutors allege Hasina orchestrated a “coordinated, widespread and systematic attack” involving state forces and party affiliates against student-led demonstrators.
  • The indictment lists six counts, including abetment, incitement, complicity, facilitation, conspiracy and failure to prevent mass murder.
  • Proceedings are being broadcast live on Bangladesh Television for the first time, while Hasina remains in self-imposed exile in India after defying an extradition order.
  • Co-accused former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun face the same charges, with convictions carrying potential death sentences as the interim Yunus government bans Awami League activities