Trial of Former Bangladeshi Leader Begins Amid Charges of Atrocities

The trial of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina commenced on August 3, 2023, as she faces serious charges including crimes against humanity. This legal proceeding arises from the violent crackdown during protests last year, which left over 1,400 individuals, including children, dead. Among the victims was Rakib Hossain, an 11-year-old boy whose death has become emblematic of the violence that erupted during the so-called July revolution against Hasina’s government.

The protests ignited in Dhaka and spread across Bangladesh, fueled by widespread discontent with Hasina’s leadership. She responded by deploying heavily armed police with orders to use live ammunition against demonstrators. Following the unrest, Hasina fled the country on a helicopter on August 5, 2023, as protesters approached her residence.

In the wake of these events, Bangladeshi prosecutors have charged Hasina with multiple counts, including murder, torture, and incitement to violence. The trial is taking place in absentia, as Hasina has been residing in India since her departure from Bangladesh. She has declined to participate in the court proceedings, except to submit a not guilty plea, and has been assigned a state-appointed defense attorney.

Abul Khayer, Rakib’s father, expressed his frustration over Hasina’s absence from the trial, stating, “I want to see Hasina tried in person. She should face the families and answer for what she did.” Khayer’s sentiments reflect a broader skepticism regarding the potential for true justice in a system that many believe has been compromised by political motivations.

In the lead-up to the trial, both Hasina and her political party, the Awami League, have attempted to undermine the tribunal’s legitimacy. Hasina described the protests that led to her ousting as a “violent interruption of our hard-fought democracy,” and claimed that no formal legal notices had been issued regarding the charges against her.

As the trial unfolds, there is a palpable sense of urgency among those who lost loved ones during the crackdown. For many, this trial represents a crucial opportunity for accountability. Mohammad Tajul Islam, the chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), emphasized the importance of the case, stating that the prosecution has worked diligently to gather evidence and find witnesses.

The ICT was established by Hasina herself during her tenure, raising concerns about its independence. Yet, Islam assured that reforms have aligned the tribunal with international standards, asserting that “Her intended absence from the trial should not shield her from justice.” Key witnesses include Hasina’s former police chief, Chowdhury Abdullah al-Mamun, who has pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against her.

While some observers question the capacity of Bangladesh’s judicial system to conduct a fair trial, others argue the need for accountability is paramount. Political scientist Mubashar Hasan remarked that, ideally, Hasina should face trial at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, given the severity of the allegations.

As Bangladesh prepares for its first elections since Hasina’s ousting, scheduled for February 2024, many fear that the trial could be politicized. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has already barred the Awami League from participating, raising concerns about the democratic integrity of the upcoming elections.

Despite the challenges ahead, the trial represents a significant step toward documenting the truth of the events that transpired during Hasina’s rule. Many hope that even if the trial does not lead to immediate justice, it will at least provide a platform for victims’ voices to be heard.