Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is under investigation for murder following deadly protests that culminated in her resignation. The unrest began with peaceful student demonstrations but escalated into violent clashes, leading to over 400 deaths. A businessman filed the case against H
A major development in Bangladesh’s turbulent political landscape has resulted in a murder investigation against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She is accused of authorizing police actions that led to the fatal shooting of civilians during widespread civil unrest in Dhaka. This marks an unprecedented moment in the nation’s history, as no sitting or former head of government has ever faced such serious criminal charges. Alongside Hasina, six senior officials from her administration are also under investigation for their alleged roles in state-sanctioned violence.
The unrest, which began as peaceful student-led protests over civil service quotas, quickly escalated into weeks of violent clashes that claimed hundreds of lives. The legal action against Hasina and her former ministers has sparked critical questions about government accountability, the use of force by state authorities, and the potential for justice in a nation that remains deeply divided along political lines. As Bangladesh grapples with the aftermath of these protests, the investigation into Hasina’s administration could have profound implications for the country’s political future.
Background and Resignation:
- Sheikh Hasina resigned earlier this month and fled to neighboring India as pressure mounted for her to step down amidst growing unrest.
- Following her resignation, a court in Dhaka ordered police to accept a murder case against her and six other top officials from her previous government.
- The protests, which began in early July, initially called for scrapping quotas in civil service jobs but soon evolved into a broader movement against Hasina’s administration.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation:
- The murder case was brought forward by Mamun Mia, a lawyer representing a private citizen.
- Businessman Amir Hamza filed the case after local grocer Abu Saeed was shot dead by police during a protest on July 19.
- Hamza stated, “I am the first ordinary citizen who showed the courage to take this legal step against Sheikh Hasina for her crimes. I will see the case to an end.”
- The Dhaka magistrate, Rajesh Chowdhury, has ordered a formal investigation into the allegations.
Protests and Civil Unrest:
- The unrest resulted in the deaths of more than 400 people, many of whom were reportedly shot by police under Hasina’s orders.
- Hasina’s government faced accusations of widespread human rights violations and rampant corruption during its 15-year rule.
- She referred to the protesters as “not students but terrorists who are out to destabilize the nation,” and urged a harsh crackdown on them.
Sheikh Hasina’s Statement:
- In her first public statement since fleeing, Hasina called for an investigation into the events leading to her resignation, demanding those involved be “identified and punished accordingly.”
- Sajeeb Wazed Joy, her son, posted the statement on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where Hasina expressed sorrow for the lives lost and requested justice for the victims.
- Hasina drew parallels between the recent violence and the assassination of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and 18 members of her family on August 15, 1975.
Future Prospects and Political Climate:
- The interim government that replaced her administration has many former protesters in its ranks and is led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus.
- Sajeeb Wazed Joy announced that Hasina will return to Bangladesh when elections are declared.
- National Mourning Day, which commemorates the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was canceled as a holiday by the interim government on Tuesday. Hasina urged the people to observe the day despite the cancellation, stating, “The very memory that was our lifeline has been burned to the ground,” in reference to the destruction of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.”
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