Eight Officials Charged Over 2024 Protest Killings
Dhaka- May 25,2025: Bangladesh on Sunday launched its first trial linked to alleged crimes against humanity committed during Sheikh Hasina’s rule. A special court in Dhaka accepted charges against eight police officers accused in the killing of six protesters on August 5, 2024 — the day Hasina fled the country.
Four of the officers are in custody. The others, including Dhaka’s former police chief Habibur Rahman, are being tried in absentia. All face serious accusations tied to a deadly crackdown on student-led protests that rocked the nation last year.
Tajul Islam, chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), said, “The trial has formally started. We have solid evidence — both video and audio — to support our case.”
Between July and August 2024, nearly 1,400 people were killed during anti-government protests, according to the United Nations. Prosecutors allege Hasina gave direct orders to use lethal force. They claim to have voice recordings in which she told security forces to “kill the protesters using force and lethal weapons.
Hasina Accused of Ordering Crackdown, Remains in Exile
The ICT, set up by Hasina herself in 2009, is now prosecuting figures from her own administration. While the tribunal was once seen as a political weapon to eliminate rivals, its new role marks a dramatic shift.
Hasina fled by helicopter to India as protesters stormed her residence. She remains in self-imposed exile, ignoring Bangladesh’s requests for her extradition.
This trial meets a key demand from several political parties ahead of national elections expected before June 2026. The interim government has promised accountability and justice.
The eight officers face charges ranging from issuing deadly orders to direct involvement in the killings. “Each is responsible — some for command, others for carrying out brutal actions,” Islam added.
With these trials underway, Bangladesh moves closer to delivering justice for the 2024 massacre and holding perpetrators of crimes against humanity to account.
