Bangladesh Tribunal Tries Hasina for 2024 Protest Killings

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh has begun the trial of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, ex-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun for crimes against humanity related to the violent suppression of the 2024 student-led protests. Hasina and Kamal, who fled to India after their government was toppled, are being tried in absentia, while Mamun is in custody and has become a state witness. Prosecutors allege that, under Hasina’s orders, police fired live ammunition at protesters, resulting in over 1,400 deaths, including children. This marks the first time Hasina faces prosecution in a tribunal she established to try 1971 war crimes. Despite multiple extradition requests, India has not handed over Hasina, who is represented by a state-appointed defense lawyer. The trial is being broadcast live, with over 500 complaints filed and further cases against Awami League leaders anticipated.