DHAKA, Bangladesh – June 1, 2025 — In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been officially charged with crimes against humanity, following months of political unrest and her eventual removal from office earlier this year.
The charges were brought by the newly formed transitional justice commission under the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. The allegations include unlawful suppression of political opposition, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and widespread use of state machinery to silence dissent during her most recent tenure.
The commission claims to have gathered credible evidence from victims’ families, international human rights organizations, and whistleblowers from within government ranks. A formal indictment is expected to be filed in the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, pending approval from the Attorney General’s office.
Sheikh Hasina, who served as Prime Minister for over two decades in total, has been a central figure in Bangladeshi politics and the leader of the Awami League. Her removal from office earlier this year followed nationwide protests, allegations of electoral manipulation, and increasing international pressure over human rights abuses.
A spokesperson for the Awami League has denounced the charges as "politically motivated" and part of a "targeted campaign to erase the achievements of a democratically elected leader." Hasina herself, currently believed to be under house arrest, has denied all allegations and called for an independent review led by international observers.
Reactions have been mixed both domestically and globally. Human rights groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch welcomed the legal action, calling it “a significant step toward accountability for long-standing impunity.” Meanwhile, some regional governments have expressed concern over the potential for destabilization in South Asia.
Legal experts caution that the path to prosecution could be lengthy and complex. “Proving crimes against humanity under international law requires demonstrating systematic or widespread attacks against civilians — a very high bar of evidence,” said Dr. Anwarul Haque, a Dhaka-based constitutional scholar.
The upcoming weeks are expected to be critical as the legal process unfolds and the political climate continues to shift. The case marks a historic moment in Bangladesh’s post-independence era and could set a precedent for leadership accountability in the region.
FAQ
Q1: Why was Sheikh Hasina charged with crimes against humanity?
A: Sheikh Hasina has been charged for allegedly overseeing systematic human rights abuses during her time in office. These include enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, suppression of political opposition, and the use of state institutions to silence dissent.
Q2: Who brought the charges against her?
A: The charges were filed by Bangladesh’s transitional justice commission, formed after her removal from office. The commission claims to have gathered substantial evidence in cooperation with international human rights bodies.
Q3: What is the current status of Sheikh Hasina?
A: Sheikh Hasina is reportedly under house arrest in Dhaka. She has denied all allegations and maintains that the charges are politically motivated.
Q4: Will she be tried in Bangladesh or internationally?
A: While initial proceedings are taking place in Bangladesh, there is a possibility that the case could be referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC), depending on the outcome of domestic legal reviews.
Q5: What is the response from the Awami League and her supporters?
A: The Awami League has condemned the charges, labeling them a “political witch hunt” and a threat to democratic institutions. Many party members claim the proceedings lack transparency and are driven by revenge.
Q6: How has the international community reacted?
A: International human rights organizations have welcomed the move as a step toward accountability. However, some governments have expressed concern over political instability and the legal precedent it could set in the region.
Q7: What could be the political impact in Bangladesh?
A: The charges could deepen existing divisions and trigger further unrest, especially among Hasina’s supporters. Conversely, it may also empower reformist and opposition movements pushing for greater accountability and democratic governance.
Q8: Is this the first time a Bangladeshi leader has faced such charges?
A: While previous leaders have faced corruption or abuse-of-power allegations, this is the first instance where a former Prime Minister has been charged with crimes against humanity under international legal standards.
Publish on JUNE 1,2025 by :selvi