Bangladesh's Tribunal Set to Hear Charges Against Former PM Sheikh Hasina
On Sunday, Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) will begin formal hearings against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Marking a historic first, the proceedings will be broadcast live by the state-run Bangladesh Television (BTV), allowing unprecedented public access to the trial.
Background of the Charges and Trial
Sheikh Hasina was ousted from office on August 5, 2024, following extensive student-led protests across the country. She is currently facing multiple charges in various Bangladeshi courts, all relating to alleged crimes against humanity during the July-August 2024 unrest which resulted in significant casualties and turmoil.
Previously, live broadcasts and photography during these proceedings were strictly prohibited. However, ICT-BD’s decision to permit live streaming aims to increase transparency in one of the nation’s most high-profile cases.
Details of the Tribunal Proceedings
- The tribunal is a three-judge panel that ordered the completion of its investigation by April 2025.
- Formal charges are primarily linked to the mass uprising between July and August 2024, which ended Hasina’s administration.
- Alongside Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun will also stand trial; both are currently in custody.
Prosecutors have emphasized that broadcasting the trial live will allow citizens to witness the judicial process firsthand, promoting fairness and transparency. The proceedings are scheduled to commence at 9:30 AM local time.
Historical Context of the Tribunal
The ICT-BD was originally established to try individuals accused of collaboration with Pakistani forces during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War. Over time, it has been used to prosecute several prominent political figures:
- Six top leaders of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami party were hanged following convictions.
- A leader affiliated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) also faced capital punishment.
Current Developments and International Dimension
An arrest warrant has been issued for Sheikh Hasina, prompting the interim government to request her repatriation from India. While New Delhi has acknowledged the request, no official statement has been provided.
Authorities have detained numerous senior Awami League members and officials as part of the crackdown related to the July-August 2024 unrest, which reportedly caused over 1,400 deaths according to a UN rights office report. Victims included students, police personnel, and civilians.
Conclusion
The live broadcast of this trial represents a significant departure from past practice, underscoring the judiciary’s intent to maintain transparency during proceedings involving one of Bangladesh’s most influential political figures. As the trial unfolds, national attention remains focused on the outcomes and their implications for Bangladesh’s political future.
