Dhaka, Aug 21: Bangladesh’s deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina now faces 31 cases, including 26 for murder, four for crimes against humanity and genocide, and one for abduction. On Tuesday, nine more complaints were filed against Hasina and 23 others, accusing them of grave crimes linked to the Hefajat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar, Dhaka, on May 5, 2013.
The complaints were filed by Supreme Court lawyer Gazi MH Tamim on behalf of Mufti Harun Ijahar Chowdhury, joint secretary general of Hefajat-e-Islam. The allegations include crimes against humanity and genocide, with the investigation officially commencing following the registration of these complaints.
This marks the fourth complaint against Hasina at the International Crimes Tribunal. The previous three cases relate to recent violence associated with the quota reform protests. Additionally, eight other cases have been filed nationwide, accusing Hasina of involvement in recent killings during the protests.
Prominent figures accused alongside Hasina include Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader, former ministers Rashed Khan Menon and Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, and former army chief Aziz Ahmed, among others. The complaints detail how the accused allegedly orchestrated and executed acts of violence against Hefajat activists and other individuals during and after the rally.
Hasina’s family members, including her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, and sister Sheikh Rehana, have been named in some of the cases for the first time.
BNP’s Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for India’s extradition of Hasina, accusing her of plotting against the country’s revolution.
The violence that erupted after Hasina’s resignation and flight to India on August 5 has claimed over 230 lives, raising the total death toll since the protests began in mid-July to more than 600. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has taken over in the wake of Hasinaās departure.