Ex-Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina convicted: What are the charges against her

Sheikh Hasina committed crimes against humanity, said Crimes Tribunal (ICT) judge while convicting the ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister for crimes against humanity during the 2024 uprising. Hasina, who quit and fled to India in 2024 amid violent protests by student activists, was pronounced guilty of crimes of war on Monday. The tribunal is delivering its verdict today against Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun over crimes against humanity during the July–August 2024 student-led uprising.

Hasina, 78, remains in exile in India and has defied orders to return and face trial. Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal is also a fugitive, while Abdullah Al-Mamun, now in custody, has pleaded guilty and turned state witness.

While pronouncing the verdict, the tribunal, originally set up under Hasina’s own government, made some sensational observations, saying that Hasina ordered killings of protesters and even denied them medical aid. It added that instead of listening to the students and fulfilling their demands, Hasina undermined their movement.

"It is crystal clear that Hasina incited her workers and ordered to kill the protesting students," the court said,

"It has been further noticed by the tribunal that in another interview on a YouTube channel, Hasina admitted her responsibility for what happened as the leader of the country," the court added.

Prosecutors have filed five charges against Hasina, including failure to prevent murder, amounting to crimes against humanity under Bangladeshi law.

CHARGES AGAINST HASINA, HER AIDES

Provocative speech and coordinated attacks: Hasina allegedly made inflammatory remarks on July 14, 2024, which prompted attacks on students and civilians by law enforcement and party activists.Ordering use of lethal force, helicopters, and drones: The accused are charged with directing and enforcing violent suppression of protests using live ammunition, helicopters, and drones.Killing of Abu Sayeed in Rangpur: The trio face responsibility for the July 16, 2024 shooting of a student in front of Begum Rokeya University.Killing of six students in Chankharpul: On August 5, 2024, six students were shot dead in Dhaka; the accused are charged with ordering or facilitating this operation.Killing and burning of six men in Ashulia: Also on August 5, 2024, six people were shot, five bodies burned, and one person allegedly burned alive, with the accused allegedly involved and approving the act.

WHAT SHEIKH HASINA SAID

Hasina, on her part, strongly denied the allegations, calling the case politically motivated and branding the Crimes Tribunal a “kangaroo court.” In an audio message to her Awami League supporters, the 78-year-old Awami League chief called the allegations false and blamed chief advisor Muhammad Yunus for chaos in the country.

"Let them announce whatever verdict they want. It doesn't matter to me. Allah gave me this life, and only he can end it. I will still serve my people," she said ahead of the hearing on Sunday.

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