Trial in Absentia: Sheikh Hasina's Historic International Crimes Tribunal Case

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh commenced proceedings on Sunday against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is being tried in absentia for crimes against humanity related to the crackdown on student protests in 2024.

Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam accused Hasina of being the 'nucleus of all crimes,' demanding the harshest punishment. Among those accused are Hasina's top aides, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullaah Al Mamun.

While Hasina and Kamal remain at large in India, Mamun is in custody and has turned approver for the prosecution. Testimonies from those injured in last year's protests and eyewitnesses to the violence are expected to be presented shortly.