Sheikh Hasina’s crimes against humanity indictment hearing scheduled for July 1
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Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has set July 1 as the date for the indictment hearing in a crimes against humanity case filed against the country's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, along with two senior ex-officials.
The case stems from their alleged roles during last year’s July-August mass uprising, according to state-run BSS.
Alongside Hasina, the case names former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.
The three-member bench of the tribunal, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, issued the order after all three accused failed to appear in court despite a prior notice demanding their surrender.
Hasina, who led the Awami League government for nearly 16 years, was ousted during a student-led uprising on August 5, 2024. She reportedly fled to India following the unrest and has since been accused of ordering mass killings and enforced disappearances during the protest movement.
The tribunal noted that state defence counsel would be appointed to represent both Hasina and Kamal in the proceedings.
Citing the tribunal’s notice, the report added: "...as per rule 31 of the International Crimes (Tribunal-1) Rules of Procedure 2010 (Amendment), 2025, they are hereby ordered to surrender at this tribunal on 24 June 2025. Otherwise, the trial will be held in their absence as per section 10A of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973."
The prosecution has formally brought five charges against the accused, and the tribunal’s investigation agency submitted its findings on May 12, detailing alleged crimes against humanity and mass killings.