Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and members of her former Cabinet are facing charges of “crimes against humanity” and “genocide,” as a case was filed against them at the International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka. The tribunal, established in 2010 by Hasina’s government to prosecute those who opposed Bangladesh’s war of independence in 1971, has already tried top opposition party leaders.
The case was accepted by the investigation agency of the court after the father of a ninth-grade student, Alif Ahmed Siam, who was shot by police and later died, filed the suit. The adviser to the transitional government on law affairs mentioned that individuals involved in the killings during the student protests from July 1 to Aug. 5 may face trial in the tribunal, with no one being exempt from prosecution, including Hasina.
Efforts will be made to involve the UN in the investigation process, as three cases, including murder and abduction, have already been filed against Hasina, who fled to India in August. The case is a significant step towards seeking justice for the victims and holding accountable those responsible for the crimes committed.