Formal charges filed against Sheikh Hasina, two others in ICT

Formal charges were submitted to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) against ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, terming her as the chief accused in the case over the “July Genocide” of 2024.

ICT Prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim confirmed the development on Sunday.

Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam formally submitted the complaint to the tribunal, holding Sheikh Hasina primarily responsible for ordering the widespread killings that took place across the country during July and August last year.

Bangladesh Television (BTV), the country's national broadcaster, is broadcasting the proceedings live.

The two other accused are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.

On 12 May, investigators submitted a report detailing Sheikh Hasina’s alleged role as the principal instigator of the July-August genocide. The report was the result of an investigation ordered by the Tribunal on 18 February, directing authorities to complete the inquiry by 20 April. The order was issued by a three-member bench of the International Crimes Tribunal, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumder, following a submission by the prosecution. Additional Chief Prosecutor Mizanul Islam represented the prosecution during the hearing.

On 17 December last year, the Tribunal also instructed investigators to conclude inquiries within two months in two separate cases involving Sheikh Hasina, Obaidul Quader, and 46 others.

Tazul Islam said that significant barriers to the trial process have already been removed, and the tribunal has broadly mapped out both the structure of the crimes and those allegedly responsible.

However, he acknowledged that challenges remain in arresting those involved in the disappearances. “We are actively working to ensure their arrests,” he added.

According to the prosecution, over 1,400 people were killed during the government crackdown on protests—allegedly under the direct or indirect orders of Sheikh Hasina and her top officials.

Prosecutors have also stated that they expect visible progress in the trial process by December.