Sheikh Hasina's War Crimes Trial Kicks Off, PM Missing In Action
Court proceedings initiate against absentee defendant Sheikh Hasina, former Bangladesh prime minister. - Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Absence-Based Trial Initiated in Bangladesh
The trial for former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has finally commenced amidst her conspicuous absence. The investigation stemmed from allegations of her involvement in "assisting, abetting, participating, conspiring, and even failing to stop heinous crimes" during the chaos in July 2024, as stated by the trial's lead prosecutor, Islam, during the opening remarks in the capital city, Dhaka. Moreover, several of Hasina's associates from the now-prohibited Awami League party are also defendants in this case.
She of age 77, previously untouched by the courts, made her escape to India in August of last year via helicopter, following weeks of relentless demonstrations. Subsequently, the military stepped in, establishing a transitional government headed by peace Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Despite a warrant for her arrest issued by Dhaka, Hasina refuses to make her presence known.
During her 15-year reign, Hasina ruled with an authoritative grip that was often criticized for questionable human rights practices, including unjust detentions and targeted killings of opponents.
Keywords:
- Bangladesh
- War crimes
- Trials
- Arrest warrant
- Dhaka
- Former prime minister
Interesting Facts:
- Born on September 28, 1947, Sheikh Hasina is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of Bangladesh.
- The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka accuses Hasina of mass killings, abetment, incitement, complicity, facilitation, conspiracy, and failure to stop mass murder during the protests.
- Estimates show that at least 1,400 people were killed during the protests in July and August 2024.
- Prosecution alleges that Hasina directed an organized and calculated attack using law enforcement agencies and armed party members to quell the uprising.
- The trial is being conducted in Hasina's absence, with proceedings being broadcast live on national television. The decision to carry on with the trial without Hasina present has generated debates about the fairness of the legal process under the Bangladesh International Crimes (Tribunals) Act 1973.
- The crackdown led by Hasina's government has been condemned by international bodies and human rights organizations, citing accusations of extensive human rights violations.
The war crimes trial against the ex-head of government, Sheikh Hasina, has begun in her absence in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This trial, rooted in allegations of her involvement in mass killings and other heinous crimes during the chaos in July 2024, is unfolding under the Bangladesh International Crimes (Tribunals) Act 1973. The trial, held amidst public debate about the fairness of the legal process, is being broadcast live on national television, with Hasina choosing to remain in hiding following a warrant for her arrest.
