Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal on Sunday indicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others on multiple charges, including mass murder, over their alleged roles in a violent crackdown on student-led protests last year.
For the first time in Bangladesh’s history, the tribunal’s proceedings were broadcast live on television. Hasina, who was ousted on August 5 last year following a student movement, is facing several cases in Bangladesh.
However, after the prosecution team formally accused Hasina and two others of trying to suppress the protests by using force, a three-judge bench said, “We take cognizance of the allegations.”The tribunal simultaneously issued a fresh arrest warrant against Hasina and then Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. The third accused, then Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, has been taken into custody to face trial in person.