DHAKA: A Bangladeshi war crimes tribunal, established by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has initiated investigations into three “mass murder” cases against her, according to Ataur Rahman, deputy director of the tribunal’s investigation cell.
These cases stem from the violent unrest that led to Hasina’s resignation and her subsequent flight to India on August 5. Over 450 people were killed during a month of student-led protests against her 15-year rule, many of them by police gunfire.
“We are currently gathering preliminary evidence,” Rahman said, adding that the investigation would soon move to the crime sites in Mirpur, Munshiganj, and Savar—areas around Dhaka where much of the violence occurred.
These cases were brought forward by private individuals, and several of Hasina’s former top aides are also implicated. In addition to these, local police across the country have filed at least 15 more cases against Hasina, some related to earlier incidents. The charges include murder and “crimes against humanity.”
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh, set up by Hasina in 2010, has previously sentenced over 100 people to death, including many of her political opponents. The tribunal has faced criticism from rights groups for not adhering to international standards.
During Hasina’s time in power, her government was accused of severe human rights violations, including the extrajudicial killing of thousands of political opponents.
Last Friday, the United Nations (UN) expressed concern over the actions of Bangladeshi security forces during the student-led protests, noting strong indications that unnecessary and disproportionate force was used. The UN highlighted allegations of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and torture.
Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has pledged that his administration will fully cooperate with the UN investigators.