INTERNATIONAL: Hasina Faces Trial for Protest Crackdown Crimes
Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) initiated proceedings against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, charging her with crimes against humanity linked to the violent suppression of the 2024 student-led protests.
The trial, conducted in absentia, marks a significant escalation in legal actions against Hasina, who fled to India amid unrest. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam labeled her the “nucleus of all crimes,” demanding the maximum penalty.
Allegations of Systematic Violence
The ICT accuses Hasina of orchestrating a brutal crackdown on the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) movement, which sought electoral reforms in mid-2024.
The prosecution alleges her administration’s actions led to approximately 1,400 deaths between July 15 and August 15, 2024, as reported by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Charges include murder, torture, and enforced disappearances during the protests that toppled her Awami League government.
Co-Accused and Legal Context
Alongside Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullaah Al Mamun face charges.
While Hasina and Kamal remain in India, Mamun, in custody, has agreed to testify as an approver. The ICT, originally established in 2010 to address 1971 Liberation War crimes, indicted the trio on July 10, 2025, expanding its scope to recent atrocities.
Hasina’s Exile and Extradition Efforts
Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, seeking asylum in India as protests escalated, ending her 15-year tenure. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has requested her extradition, but India has not yet responded.
Hasina denies the charges, labeling them politically motivated, while her absence complicates the tribunal’s proceedings.
Prior Legal Repercussions
In a separate contempt of court case, the ICT sentenced Hasina to six months in prison in absentia in July 2025, marking her first conviction since leaving office.
This precedent underscores the tribunal’s determination to hold her accountable. Over 500 complaints have been filed regarding the 2024 protest violence, with witness testimonies expected to bolster the prosecution’s case.
Tribunal’s Expanded Mandate
The ICT, initially formed to prosecute 1971 war crimes, has faced criticism for alleged bias and procedural issues, as noted by Human Rights Watch.
Its current role in addressing the 2024 protest suppression reflects a broader mandate under the interim government. The trial’s live broadcast on Bangladesh Television highlights its national significance.
Implications for Justice and Governance
The proceedings aim to deliver justice for victims of the 2024 crackdown while signaling a shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
The tribunal’s actions may influence regional dynamics, given Hasina’s refuge in India and ongoing extradition discussions. The case underscores the challenges of prosecuting high-profile figures in absentia.