The International Crimes Tribunal-1 will hear framing charges against ousted former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina in a case filed over crimes against humanity committed during the July-August uprising last year.
Besides Hasina, hearings will also take place against two of her aides- former home minister Asaduzzaman and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.
A three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, set the date and said a state defence counsel would be appointed for Hasina and Asaduzzaman, who are currently on the run, The Daily Star reported.
The hearing will take place on July 1.
The ICT prosecution pressed formal charges against Hasina and two others on June 1.
They are facing five counts of crimes against humanity.
Sheikh Hasina’s Ouster
Sheikh Hasina, the longest-serving Prime Minister in the history of Bangladesh, was ousted from power on August 5, 2024 amid severe protests against her government.
She was toppled from power just months after the Awami League, the political faction led by her, won the general elections to form the government.
August 5 As Public Holiday
The interim government in Bangladesh will mark August 5 as Student-People Uprising Day to mark the ouster of former PM Sheikh Hasina, who escaped to India amid violent protests against her regime.
The government will also declare it a public holiday.
According to local media reports, Bangladesh will observe the day every year.
The decision was taken after the advisory council met at the State Guest House Jamuna on Thursday.
July-August Uprising
According to the UN website, The repression of mass protests in Bangladesh last year that toppled longtime prime minister Sheikh Hasina left as many as 1,400 people dead in just 46 days – the vast majority shot by security forces.
In addition to those killed by the former government’s security and intelligence services alongside Awami League party associates, a report by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) into the alleged crimes indicated that thousands were injured, including one youngster who was shot in the hand at point-blank range for throwing stones.
According to the OHCHR report, as many as 12 to 13 per cent of those killed were children. Bangladesh Police also reported that 44 of its officers were killed between 1 July and 15 August 2024.
