The prosecution has officially submitted charges against Sheikh Hasina in the 2024 "July Genocide" case, marking the start of the trial at the International Crimes Tribunal. Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India, has been named the prime accused.
The charges were filed on Sunday (June 1), and the hearing was broadcast live on Bangladesh Television.
Alongside Sheikh Hasina, two other high-profile figures have been accused: former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.
Earlier on May 12, the investigation agency submitted its findings to the tribunal, identifying Sheikh Hasina as the chief instigator behind the nationwide killings that took place throughout July and August. Both Kamal and Al-Mamun face five specific charges related to the violence.
Chief Prosecutor Advocate, Md Tajul Islam, emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring justice, stating, "We are determined to push the trial forward. By December, there will be significant progress, and justice for the July-August atrocities will become visible. The trial will be conducted with full transparency to prevent any doubts about its legitimacy."
He also described Sheikh Hasina as the "mastermind behind the enforced disappearances and the nucleus of the mirror room,'' stressing that while the trial is progressing rapidly, a reasonable amount of time is still needed to complete the investigation.
Advocate Islam further assured that the tribunal is taking all necessary steps to uphold international standards of justice and human rights.
"We are cautious to avoid the kind of injustice that has occurred in past trials. Major hurdles in the legal process have been overcome. The structure of the crimes and the identities of the perpetrators have been broadly established. However, challenges remain in arresting some of those involved in the disappearances. Efforts are underway to bring them to justice."
