Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been formally indicted by a special war crimes tribunal on serious charges of crimes against humanity. The indictment stems from her alleged role in a violent crackdown on student protests last year that reportedly left hundreds of students dead.

Key Leaders Facing Trial in Absentia

A three-member tribunal, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, also charged former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Both Hasina and Khan are being tried in absentia, while Al-Mamun was present in court and pled guilty, offering to testify against his co-accused in exchange for a lighter sentence.

According to Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, Al-Mamun requested to become an approver—a state witness—by cooperating with the prosecution.

India Yet to Respond to Extradition Request

The current interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, has officially asked India to extradite Hasina, who has been living in exile there since August 5, 2024. Khan is also believed to be hiding in India. However, India has not responded to the request so far.

Leaked Audio and Documents Used as Evidence

The prosecution presented leaked audio recordings allegedly featuring Hasina and key documents to support their case. The audio clip, already controversial, includes a voice believed to be Hasina’s claiming:

“There are 227 cases against me, so I now have a license to kill 227 people.”

This statement led to Hasina receiving a six-month jail sentence for contempt of court earlier this month, marking her first conviction since fleeing the country.

Awami League Denounces Tribunal as Politically Motivated

Hasina’s political party, the Awami League, strongly condemned the tribunal’s actions, calling it a “kangaroo court” and accusing the Yunus-led regime of using the judiciary to silence political opponents.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the party said:

“This indictment proves the judiciary is now being weaponized for political revenge.”

Hasina Labeled ‘Mastermind’ Behind Atrocities

The five charges against Hasina describe her as the “mastermind, conductor, and top commander” behind brutal state actions during the protests. Prosecutors claim she gave direct orders to law enforcement, her political party, and affiliated groups to use force, resulting in:

• Mass killings

• Torture and injuries

• Violence against women and children

• Burning of bodies

• Blocking medical aid to victims

Tribunal Dates Set for August

The tribunal has scheduled August 3 for the prosecution’s opening statement, and August 4 for recording witness testimonies.

Earlier, a petition filed by Hasina’s state-appointed lawyer Amir Hossain to drop her name from the case was rejected by the panel.

Background of the Tribunal and the Crisis

The special tribunal was initially set up by Hasina in 2009 to investigate war crimes during Bangladesh’s 1971 independence war. Ironically, the same tribunal is now being used against her.

In February 2025, the United Nations reported that up to 1,400 people may have died during three weeks of protests and government crackdowns in Bangladesh. The protests intensified in mid-2024 and eventually led to Hasina’s removal from office.

Following her fall, the interim government banned the Awami League and amended laws to allow prosecution of the former ruling party for its role during the civil unrest.

A Dramatic Turn in Bangladesh’s Politics

This high-profile case marks a historic moment in Bangladesh’s political and legal landscape. Sheikh Hasina, once a dominant political figure and daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman—the nation’s founding leader—is now facing the very justice system she once led.