Ousted Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina indicted for crimes against humanity amid calls for extradition
A Dhaka international crimes tribunal has formally charged ex‑Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in absentia with five counts of crimes against humanity, citing her alleged role in the violent suppression of student‑led protests in July-August 2024, which resulted in up to 1,400 deaths. Co‑accused include her former interior minister, Asaduzzaman Khan, and ex‑police chief Chowdhury Abdullah al‑Mamun, the latter of whom has pleaded guilty and is set to testify against her.
Sheila Hasina, who fled to India in August 2024, has already received a six‑month contempt sentence and faces three arrest warrants. The tribunal’s next hearing is scheduled for 3-4 August, covering opening statements and witness testimony. Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has formally requested her extradition from India, citing diplomatic urgency. The Awami League, Hasina’s party, dismisses the charges as a politically motivated “witch‑hunt”.
The charges revolve around alleged orders to security forces and party-affiliated groups to open fire on peaceful protesters, recognised in a UN fact‑finding report as systematic extrajudicial killings, torture, enforced disappearances and sexual violence.
Next steps: Scheduled trial continuation on 3-4 August, legal battle over extradition with India, and preparation of documentary evidence and testimonies.
🔁 Reactions:
- Court tribunal panel: “Charges reflect systematic crimes against humanity”
- Awami League statement: > “This represents a kangaroo court and political vendetta.”
- Bangladesh interim government: > “India’s inaction on extradition is no longer tenable.”
📰 Media Bias & Framing:
- Guardian/AP/Reuters emphasise the legal gravity-formal indictment, in absentia trial, scheduled hearings and strong evidence from leaked audio and UN documentation.
- Times of India and ABC underscore the political weight of al‑Mamun’s testimony and the next‑month trial dates.
- Human‑rights outlets (UN/Al Jazeera) highlight the UN’s condemnation of systematic abuse, including extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
📊 Sentiment: Strongly negative.