Sheikh Hasina Charged With 'Crimes Against Humanity' Over 2024 Bangladesh Student Protest Crackdown

Bangladeshi prosecutors have formally charged former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two senior officials with crimes against humanity in connection with their alleged involvement in violent crackdowns during the 2024 student-led uprising.

An official investigation concluded that Hasina had "directly ordered" state security forces, her political party, and affiliated groups to carry out operations that resulted in widespread loss of life.

Photo Credit: PTI

"These killings were planned," Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam stated during a televised hearing on Sunday, referencing video evidence and encrypted communications between various agencies.

The case names 81 individuals as witnesses, according to Islam. Prosecutors further claimed that Hasina, in her role as head of government, bore command responsibility for the actions of the security forces during the unrest.

Hasina resigned from her position in August after 15 years in office and fled to New Delhi amid mounting pressure from millions of demonstrators who had taken to the streets demanding her resignation.

She and several family members are also facing corruption allegations.

According to Islam, the crackdowns left around 1,500 people dead and 25,000 injured.