Bangladesh has opened the trial of fugitive former prime minister Sheikh Hasina as prosecutors at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) formally submitted charges against her over alleged crimes against humanity committed during last year’s student-led mass uprising.

Besides. former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and ex-Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun were also accused in the charge.

Sheikh Hasina, also president of the Awami League, faces five counts of crimes against humanity, including conspiracy, abetment, and direct orders leading to state-sponsored violence.

She has been named the prime accused and held responsible as the instigator and superior commander in the brutal crackdown that unfolded between July 1 and August 5, 2024.

The crackdown, sparked by widespread protests demanding educational and political reforms, left over 1,500 people dead and more than 25,000 wounded.

The charges are based on a seven-month investigation led by Md Alamgir Hossain of the ICT’s Investigation Agency. The findings include grave allegations of live-fire assaults on protesters, enforced disappearances, incineration of bodies to conceal evidence, and medical negligence imposed by political directive.

Investigators allege Hasina ordered hospitals to deny treatment to the wounded and banned autopsies of those killed. Arson attacks on government installations were allegedly staged by ruling party affiliates to frame peaceful demonstrators.

Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun is currently in custody, while Asaduzzaman Khan is believed to be in hiding. Hasina is reportedly residing in India following her ouster on August 5, 2024.

A UN human rights report from February 2025 also accused her of directing systematic killings and cover-ups during the uprising.

This marks the first formal indictment against Hasina after years of allegations linked to her 15-year tenure in office.

SMS/