The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has formally charged ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina with crimes against humanity, specifically in connection with the July mass uprising, as confirmed by ICT Prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim.
Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam submitted the complaint to the tribunal, and state-run Bangladesh Television (BTV) provided live nationwide broadcast coverage of the proceedings.
Previously, on May 12, the ICT’s investigation agency had submitted a probe report detailing five allegations against Hasina concerning her alleged role during the uprising.
The report accuses her of instructing state forces, her political party, and its associated factions to conduct operations that resulted in widespread killings, torture, and violence—with a particular focus on targeting women and children.
According to the report, more than 1,500 individuals were killed, over 25,000 sustained injuries, and numerous others were subjected to inhumane treatment. Allegations also include victims being denied medical assistance and some bodies being cremated to destroy evidence.
Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun have also been named as co-accused in this case.
This marks the third case Hasina is confronting before the ICT. She has already been charged in two other instances—one related to alleged enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings during her party’s tenure, and another concerning the 2013 crackdown on Hefazat-e-Islam protesters at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel.
What is the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)?
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh is a domestic war crimes tribunal that was established in 2009.
