Shiekh Hasina stands accused of crimes against humanity, raising the specter of a potential death sentence

Dhaka News: Judicial history is being made in Bangladesh today. The hearing on formal charges against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) will be telecast live. This will be the first time in the country that the court proceedings of a high-profile case will be shown publicly.

This special permission has been given to the state television channel BTV. Earlier, neither photography nor video broadcasting was allowed in any trial.

Serious allegations against Sheikh Hasina, may get death sentence

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is accused of committing crimes against humanity by misusing power during the anti-people protests in July-August 2024. The prosecution claims that these crimes are so serious that Hasina can be given the death penalty.

On August 5 last year, Hasina was removed from the post of prime minister due to the united movement of students and the general public. Since then they have been in judicial custody, and today's decision on their future will start a new judicial tradition.

Hasina's associates also in the dock

Sheikh Hasina is not the only one who is in the clutches of the law. Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Police Chief Abdullah Al Mamun, who are considered close to her, will also be charged today. Both are currently in jail, and the court is also investigating their role.

Attacks on Hindu community: 20 houses burnt in Jessore

Along with political turmoil, religious violence is also at its peak. 20 houses of the Hindu community were looted and set on fire in Daharamashiyahati village of Jessore district. More than 10 people have been injured in this attack, including women and the elderly.

This violence started after the murder of BNP leader Tariqul Islam on May 22. The victims say that they had nothing to do with the murder, yet they were targeted without any reason.

Government and administration under question

While on the one hand the country's justice system is moving towards transparency, on the other hand, serious questions are being raised on the security of the minority community. The administration's inaction and silence have increased the concern of the people even more.

Today will decide the future of Bangladesh

Sheikh Hasina's hearing is not just a political event; it is also a litmus test for Bangladesh's democratic credentials, justice system, and human rights. At the same time, the atrocities being committed against the Hindu community show that the country is in dire need of justice as well as social harmony.