Bangladesh tribunal to rule today in crimes-against-humanity case against Hasina, Kamal and Mamun: What are the charges?

Authorities recorded more than 30 explosions in recent days alongside multiple arson attacks on buses in the capital city and other districts. Border Guard Bangladesh personnel, police and Rapid Action Battalion teams have been deployed across the capital, Gopalganj and neighbouring districts to bolster security.

The case relates to the brutal crackdown during the anti-discrimination student movement in July and August of 2024. Prosecutors filed five counts against the three, based on a massive 8,747-page formal charge document that includes seized evidence, detailed victim lists and references, reported Dhaka Tribune.

Listed are the charges in question:

1. 01

   Provocation, coordinated attacks and dereliction of duty

   The first count alleges that Hasina gave incendiary remarks during a 14 July 2024 press briefing at Ganabhaban, following which law-enforcement personnel and ruling-party activists carried out planned assaults on students and civilians, reported Dhaka Tribune. Prosecutors are asking the tribunal to determine whether Hasina, Kamal, and Mamun instigated or allowed these attacks, and whether they failed to prevent or punish acts of murder, attempted murder and torture.

2. 02

   Orders to use lethal force, helicopters and drones

   Among the charges, Hasina is accused of directing the use of helicopters, drones and live ammunition to suppress the protests. According to Dhaka Tribune, the prosecution claims that Kamal and Mamun passed on and executed these instructions via the security chain of command. These actions, they argue, amount to crimes against humanity by way of superior orders, aiding and conspiracy.

3. 03

   Killing of Abu Sayeed in Rangpur

   On 16 July 2024, a student named Abu Sayeed was fatally shot outside Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, reported Dhaka Tribune. Prosecutors assert that this killing was carried out on the basis of directives from the top political and security leadership, implicating Hasina, Kamal and Mamun in ordering, assisting and conspiring in the attack.

4. 04

   Chankharpul student fatalities

   Another charge holds the three responsible for the shooting deaths of six students in the Chankharpul area of Dhaka on 5 August 2024. The prosecution contends that the operation was carried out with their knowledge and under their command, according to Dhaka Tribune.

5. 05

   Ashulia killings and burning

   On the same day, in Ashulia, six men are alleged to have been shot; five of them were reportedly burned, and the sixth allegedly set alight while still alive. Prosecutors claim these acts were committed with the involvement, approval and direction of Hasina, Kamal and Mamun.

   Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam described the state’s evidence as “as strong as the Himalayas,” insisting every charge is supported beyond reasonable doubt, reported Dhaka Tribune. On the other side, defence lawyer Md Amir Hossain dismissed the allegations as “false and fabricated,” arguing there is no document proving Hasina directly ordered any killings, and suggesting that a “separate group” carried out the violence.

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