Bangladesh court starts first trial of Hasina-era officials

Bangladesh has commenced the first trial of former senior officials linked to the ousted government of Sheikh Hasina, Dawn Newspaper reported.

The special court in Dhaka formally charged eight police officials for crimes against humanity related to the killing of six protesters on August 5, 2024, the day Hasina fled the country amid a student-led uprising. Four of the accused are in custody, and four are being tried in absentia, including Dhaka’s former police commissioner, Habibur Rahman.

The uprising, which ended Hasina’s 15-year rule, saw up to 1,400 deaths between July and August 2024, according to the United Nations. The chief prosecutor, Tajul Islam, stated that the accused held varying responsibilities, from superior command to direct orders and participation in the violence. Evidence presented includes video footage and voice recordings implicating Hasina in ordering lethal force against protesters.

Hasina remains in self-imposed exile in India, ignoring Dhaka’s extradition request. The trials are a critical demand of political parties ahead of elections scheduled before June 2026.