Protester offers testimony informer prime minister's court trial (Bangladesh)
The trial of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who served multiple terms including the latest until August 5, 2024, when her Awami League government was toppled amid student-led protests, is underway at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh. Hasina is charged with crimes against humanity related to the violent suppression of the student uprising in July-August 2024.
In the opening session of the trial, the state-run broadcaster aired the proceedings. Khokon Chandra Barman, a protester during the uprising, was the first witness to testify. Barman, who was severely injured during the protests, losing his left eye and suffering damage to his right eye, lips, nose, and teeth, told the court that he seeks justice for his own ordeal and for fellow protesters who lost their lives.
A video showing Barman's blood-covered face was played in court. The quote, "It was unclear who actually shot Barman," is from Amir Hossain, the state-appointed lawyer for Hasina. Hossain stated that he is not in contact with Hasina, who has refused to accept the authority of the court. Hossain also pointed out that several police officers were killed in clashes with protesters, and it was "unclear who actually shot Barman."
The trial involves 11 cases, with Barman being the first witness. The charges allege that Hasina, described as the "mastermind, conductor, and superior commander" of atrocities, ordered the use of state forces and party affiliates to carry out mass killings, injuries, targeted violence (including against women and children), burning of bodies, and denial of medical treatment to the wounded protesters. The tribunal has accused her of being directly responsible for these actions that caused up to 1,400 deaths during the crackdown on the student protests.
Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former interior minister of Bangladesh, is also a fugitive. Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, the former inspector general of police, is in custody and has pleaded guilty. The violence of the protests is reflected in Barman's story.
The quote, "People were killed and maimed -- we demand the highest punishment for the crimes committed," is from Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman. He called for a "fair trial" in relation to the charges against Sheikh Hasina, aged 77, who is on trial in absentia in Bangladesh. The trial continues, with many awaiting the outcome to bring closure to a tumultuous period in the country's history.
- The trial of Sheikh Hasina, currently underway at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), involves various aspects of general news, such as politics, crime and justice, and war and conflicts, as she is charged with crimes against humanity related to the 2024 student-led protests.
- As the trial of Sheikh Hasina unfolds, political implications and debates surrounding justice for victims are prevalent in discussions concerning war and conflicts, crime and justice, and general news, with Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman calling for a fair trial for the former prime minister.
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