Sheikh Hasina Faces Crimes Against Humanity Charges Over 2024 Crackdown

Dhaka – Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has officially been charged with crimes against humanity, as prosecutors allege her direct involvement in violent crackdowns during the 2024 student-led uprising that left over 1,500 people dead and 25,000 injured.

Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam, speaking during a televised hearing on Sunday, said evidence—including video footage and encrypted communications—shows Hasina personally ordered state security forces, her political party, and affiliated groups to launch coordinated attacks on protesters. “These killings were planned,” Islam stated, as he confirmed that 81 witnesses have been listed to testify.

Prosecutors argue that Hasina bears command responsibility as the former head of government during the period of unrest. The charges also extend to two senior officials accused of participating in the operations.

Hasina, who resigned in August 2024 after 15 years in power amid mass protests, fled to New Delhi along with close family members. In addition to these charges, she is also under investigation for alleged corruption during her time in office.

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The trial marks a dramatic fall from power for one of South Asia’s most enduring political figures and signals a historic shift in accountability for state-led violence in Bangladesh.