Dhaka: The prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has formally charged former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others with orchestrating a “coordinated extermination plan” against students and citizens who opposed her government. The charges span a period from July 1 to August 5, 2024, during which the state apparatus was allegedly used to suppress dissent.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam presented a 134-page formal charge to ICT-1, detailing the alleged crimes against humanity. The charges were broadcast live on Bangladesh Television, marking the first-ever live telecast of such proceedings in the country’s history. The formal charges were submitted to the ICT Registrar’s office around noon, targeting Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.
The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, acknowledged the formal charges and scheduled further proceedings for June 16. The prosecution’s evidence includes eyewitness accounts, video and audio recordings, forensic analyses, and official documents. These were used to support five distinct charges against the accused.
Charge-1 alleges that Sheikh Hasina instigated crimes against humanity through provocative statements made on July 14, 2024, failing to prevent murder and torture, allegedly facilitated by Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.
Charge-2 claims that Hasina ordered the elimination of protesters using helicopters, drones, and weapons, with Kamal and Al-Mamun instructing law enforcement to execute these orders.
Charge-3 asserts that on July 16, 2024, following Hasina’s directives, law enforcement and Awami League affiliates shot Abu Sayeed in front of Begum Rokeya University, constituting crimes against humanity.
Charge-4 involves the killing of six individuals in the Cahnkharpul area on August 5, 2024, allegedly carried out under the orders and complicity of the accused.
Charge-5 details an attack on August 5, 2024, in front of Ashulia Police Station, where six individuals were shot, and five bodies were burned. This act, the prosecution claims, was known to the defendants and constituted crimes against humanity.
The ICT’s investigation agency had submitted its probe report on May 12, outlining the alleged crimes and mass killings.