Trial Commences for Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Concerning 2024 Clampdown in Bangladesh, Aiming for Justice and Accountability
In a significant development for Bangladesh's political landscape, the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT) has initiated trial proceedings against Sheikh Hasina, former Prime Minister, along with Asaduzzaman Khan and Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun. The trial, which began on August 3, 2025, is related to the violent suppression of the "July Uprising" student protests in 2024 [2][3].
Hasina and Khan are being tried in absentia, while Mamun is in custody and has agreed to cooperate as an approver in the case. The charges allege that Hasina and her associates orchestrated a brutal crackdown last July and August, resulting in the deaths of over 1,400 civilians, including children [1].
The prosecution has secured the cooperation of Al Mamun and will call eyewitnesses and survivors, including microbus driver Khokon Chandra Barman, who lost part of his face in the violence [2]. The UN OHCHR report corroborates credible allegations of Hasina's direct involvement in planning the crackdown [3].
The trial proceedings are being opened by a three-judge panel and will be broadcast live to the public for the first time in Bangladesh [2]. If convicted, Hasina may face the severest outcomes under Bangladeshi law, including the possibility of the death penalty [1].
Politically, the proceedings have led to the ban of the Awami League (Hasina’s party), which is currently suspended from participating in elections and has restricted activities pending the outcome of the ICT trials. This ban, imposed by the interim government under Dr. Muhammed Yunus since May 2025, has sparked criticism from human rights groups and legal experts who argue that it violates fundamental human rights and undermines democratic processes [1][5].
The trial against Hasina is accused of being politically motivated, with the intention of excluding major opposition influence from Bangladesh's electoral future [1]. Despite this, the trial represents a crucial step towards accountability for alleged crimes against humanity committed during Hasina's tenure.
This development reflects ongoing tensions between justice, political power, and human rights in Bangladesh. The trial, along with the ban on the Awami League and ongoing human rights concerns, underscores the need for reconciliation and a commitment to upholding the rule of law in the country.
References:
[1] The Guardian. (2025, August 4). Bangladesh bans Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party ahead of trial. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/04/bangladesh-bans-sheikh-hasinas-awami-league-party-ahead-of-trial
[2] BBC News. (2025, August 3). Sheikh Hasina trial begins in Bangladesh. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-62677215
[3] Al Jazeera. (2025, August 3). Sheikh Hasina trial begins in Bangladesh over 2024 protests. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/3/sheikh-hasina-trial-begins-in-bangladesh-over-2024-protests
[4] Human Rights Watch. (2025, July). Bangladesh: Interim Government Should Lift Ban on Awami League. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/07/01/bangladesh-interim-government-should-lift-ban-awami-league
[5] Amnesty International. (2025, June). Bangladesh: Interim Government Must Respect Human Rights Ahead of Elections. Retrieved from https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/06/bangladesh-interim-government-must-respect-human-rights-ahead-of-elections/
- The trial against Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has stirred controversy, with observers claiming it is politically motivated and intended to exclude major opposition influence from future elections.
- The ongoing trial, which began in August 2025, pertains to the violent suppression of the "July Uprising" student protests in 2024, and if convicted, Hasina may face the severest outcomes under Bangladeshi law, including the death penalty.
- The ban on Hasina's political party, the Awami League, imposed by the interim government since May 2025, has sparked criticism from human rights groups and legal experts, who argue that it violates fundamental human rights and undermines democratic processes.
