ICT charges Sheikh Hasina with crimes against humanity

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has formally charged Sheikh Hasina with crimes against humanity related to the July mass uprising.

ICT Prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim confirmed the filing of the charges on Sunday.

On May 12, the tribunal’s investigation agency submitted its probe report, accusing Hasina of five counts of crimes against humanity during the July uprising. Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun were named as co-accused.

Hasina is also facing two other ICT cases: one over alleged involvement in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings during the Awami League’s tenure, and another regarding killings during the 2013 Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel.

Citing the probe, ICT Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam stated that Hasina allegedly ordered state forces, her party, and affiliated groups to carry out operations leading to mass killings, injuries, targeted violence against women and children, body incinerations, and denial of medical aid to the wounded.

According to the report, more than 1,500 people were killed, over 25,000 injured, and countless others subjected to torture and inhumane treatment.