Hasina faces 8,747-page charge sheet with 81 witnesses

The International Crimes Tribunal has filed five charges against Sheikh Hasina, identifying her as the chief mastermind in a case involving crimes against humanity. The formal charge sheet spans 135 pages, supported by extensive evidence totaling 8,747 pages, which includes documentary proof, video, and audio recordings. A total of 81 witnesses have been summoned to testify.

On Sunday (June 1), the tribunal began hearing the charges around 12:15 PM, with the proceedings broadcast live on state-run television, BTV.

Chief Prosecutor Advocate Tajul Islam detailed Sheikh Hasina’s alleged involvement in the mass killings that occurred during the July uprising. He outlined the political backdrop, describing the Awami League’s governance as increasingly authoritarian and fascist in nature.

The voluminous evidence, organized into 13 volumes and over 8,500 pages, outlines various crimes such as enforced disappearances, killings, and torture. The charge sheet accuses Sheikh Hasina of being the principal architect behind these crimes.

Additionally, the charge sheet names Obaidul Quader, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Salman F Rahman, and Anisul Haque as members of the so-called ‘Gang of Four.’

Tajul Islam stated that under their joint planning and directives, indiscriminate killings were carried out across the country. He characterized the Awami League, along with its affiliated organizations—the Jubo League, Chhatra League, and the 14-party alliance—as a criminal organization responsible for committing crimes against humanity.

Addressing the media later, Tajul Islam emphasized that the case is not an act of revenge but a legal proceeding based strictly on evidence, aiming to ensure that fascist forces never rise again in the new Bangladesh.