Dhaka: Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been formally charged with crimes against humanity for her alleged role in the deadly suppression of last year’s student-led uprising, marking a dramatic legal turn for the once long-serving leader.
Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam announced the charges at a televised hearing on Sunday, June 1, stating that investigators had uncovered evidence suggesting Hasina had “directly ordered” lethal crackdowns by state forces and party-aligned groups during the 2024 protests. The clashes left over 1,500 people dead and at least 25,000 injured, according to official estimates cited by Islam.
“These killings were planned,” he said, citing “video footage, audio intercepts, and encrypted communication between agencies” as critical to the case.
The prosecution alleged that Hasina, during her final months as head of government, orchestrated a systematic response to silence dissent, one that included extrajudicial killings and coordinated assaults on protesters. Two senior officials have also been indicted alongside her.
Islam confirmed that 81 individuals, including victims, whistleblowers, and former government insiders, are slated to testify. The prosecution also argued that Hasina bears “command responsibility” as the then head of state for actions taken by security agencies under her rule.
Hasina stepped down in August 2024 following weeks of nationwide protests demanding her resignation. Facing mounting pressure and threats of international sanctions, she reportedly fled to New Delhi with close family members.
She now also faces separate investigations into alleged corruption during her 15-year tenure. The tribunal is expected to hear opening witness testimony later this month.
