Dhaka: The prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has formally charged Sheikh Hasina and two others with crimes against humanity, alleging that the former government orchestrated a “coordinated extermination plan” against freedom-loving students and civilians between July 1 and August 5, 2024.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the charges were presented by Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam, who described the attacks as “widespread” and “systematic,” utilizing the entire state apparatus. The 134-page formal charge was submitted to ICT-1 this afternoon, marking a historic first as the proceedings were broadcast live by state-run Bangladesh Television (BTV).
The accused, including ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, face five charges. The three-member ICT, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, has taken cognizance of the charges and scheduled June 16 for further proceedings.
Chief Prosecutor Islam detailed the evidence supporting the charges, which includes eyewitness and victim statements, video footage, drone and CCTV footage, audio recordings, forensic reports, media publications, and official documents from state agencies.
Charge-1 accuses Sheikh Hasina of inciting crimes against humanity through her statements at a July 14 press briefing, leading to murder, attempted murder, and other inhumane acts, with the complicity of Kamal and Al-Mamun.
Charge-2 alleges that Hasina ordered the elimination of protesters using helicopters, drones, and lethal weapons, with Kamal and Al-Mamun facilitating and conspiring in these crimes.
Charge-3 details an incident on July 16, 2024, where law enforcement and armed Awami League members, following Hasina’s provocations, shot Abu Sayeed at Begum Rokeya University, constituting crimes against humanity.
Charge-4 involves the killing of six people in Cahnkharpul on August 5, 2024, following the alleged directives of Hasina, Kamal, and Al-Mamun, as part of a systematic attack on unarmed students.
Charge-5 describes a similar attack on August 5, 2024, at Ashulia Police Station, where six people were shot, and five bodies were burned, with the knowledge of the accused.
The ICT’s investigation agency filed its probe report on May 12, detailing the alleged crimes against humanity and mass killings.