Crimes Against Humanity: Trial Begins Against Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Former IGP Turns State Witness

The International Crimes Tribunal has officially ordered the commencement of trial proceedings against Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and one other accused in a case filed over crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the July-August uprising. The order was issued today, Thursday, by the three-member bench of the International Crimes Tribunal-1, headed by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mojumdar. With this, the formal trial against the three accused has officially begun.

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun appeared before the tribunal for the indictment hearing and, according to reports, confessed to his involvement and agreed to become a state witness.

Previously, on July 7, 2024, the tribunal had scheduled July 10 to deliver the order on whether formal charges would be framed against the three accused—Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun—in the case involving crimes against humanity committed during the mass uprising in July-August.

Among the accused, Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan are currently absconding. State-appointed lawyer Amir Hossain is representing them. During the charge-framing hearing on July 7, Amir Hossain appealed for the discharge of both Hasina and Kamal. The third accused, former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, is currently in custody.

It is worth noting that on July 1, the prosecution concluded its hearing in favor of framing charges against the three accused in connection with the alleged genocide during the July-August events.

With the formal trial process now underway, the case has sparked new debates and discussions in Bangladesh’s political and legal spheres.