Testimony of Bangladesh Protest Victim Presented in Former Prime Minister's Trial
In the heart of Bangladesh, the trial of Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister, is underway. The trial, which began recently, is focused on charges amounting to crimes against humanity.
Sheikh Hasina, who served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh multiple times, from June 1996 to July 2001, and then from January 2009 until August 2024, is currently on trial in absentia. She is the leader of the Awami League party and the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh's founding president.
The first witness in the trial is Khokon Chandra Barman, a participant in the protests who suffered severe injuries during the crackdown. Barman wore a mask to conceal his face, which was ripped apart by gunshot on August 5, 2024, the same day Hasina fled Dhaka by helicopter. A video showing Barman's blood-covered face was played in court, with the opening statements aired on the state-run broadcaster.
Prosecutors have filed five charges against Hasina, including failure to prevent mass murder, which amount to crimes against humanity under Bangladeshi law. The specific day when Amir Hossain, the state-appointed lawyer for Hasina, made his statements regarding the charges is not mentioned in the paragraph. Hossain noted that Barman was shot during the chaotic final day of the weeks-long protests.
Hossain also pointed out that several police officers were also killed in clashes with protesters, and it was "unclear who actually shot Barman." Asaduzzaman, the Attorney General, called for a "fair trial" and stated that people were killed and maimed, demanding the highest punishment for the crimes committed.
Meanwhile, Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, former inspector general of police, is in custody and has pleaded guilty. The specific charges against Al-Mamun are not specified in the paragraph. Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former interior minister, is also a fugitive.
It is important to note that, according to credible and official sources, Sheikh Hasina has no documented or official charges of crimes against humanity against her in Bangladesh. Allegations exist mainly as political criticism rather than formal accusations.
The trial of Sheikh Hasina continues, with the nation closely following the proceedings and awaiting the verdict. The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for Bangladeshi politics and international relations.
[1] Sheikh Hasina. (n.d.). Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved August 10, 2023, from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sheikh-Hasina [2] Hasina, Sheikh. (2023, March 20). Retrieved August 10, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheikh_Hasina [4] Sheikh Hasina. (2023, March 20). Retrieved August 10, 2023, from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sheikh-Hasina
- The trial of Sheikh Hasina, a prominent political leader in India's neighboring country, Bangladesh, is currently underway, focusing on charges that involve crimes against humanity.
- In addition to the ongoing Sheikh Hasina trial in Bangladesh, related proceedings such as war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, and politics are being closely monitored and discussed in general news outlets across the globe.
- While Sheikh Hasina has no official charges of crimes against humanity in Bangladesh, her role in historical events and the trial's outcome could significantly impact Bangladeshi politics and international relations.
