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Bangladesh Court Orders Newspaper Notices to Summon Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.



The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh has officially commenced the formal trial in the high-profile Chankharpul murder case, which involves the killing of six people, including students, during the mass protests in July-August 2023. This case marks a significant milestone as it is the first to reach the formal charge stage since the tribunal’s restructuring following the nationwide uprising.


Background of the Case

The Chankharpul incident occurred amid widespread demonstrations against political and social issues, where protesters gathered in Dhaka’s Chankharpul area demanding justice and reforms. During these protests, security forces allegedly opened fire on unarmed civilians, resulting in the deaths of six individuals: Shahriar Khan Anas, Sheikh Mahdi Hasan Junayed, Md Yakub, Md Rakib Hawlader, Md Ismamul Haque, and Manik Mia. The victims included several university students who were actively participating in the protests.


The incident sparked national outrage and calls for accountability, leading to the formation of a special investigative committee by the tribunal to probe the events and identify those responsible.


Charges and Accused

On Sunday, Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam formally submitted the charge sheet to the tribunal after an extensive investigation. The report names eight accused, including former Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman and seven other police officers. According to the investigation, four of the accused are currently in custody, while the others, including Habibur Rahman, remain at large.


The accused face multiple charges related to crimes against humanity, including unlawful detention, torture, and the shooting deaths of the protesters. The prosecution presented compelling evidence comprising video footage, eyewitness testimonies, forensic reports, and official documents that link the accused directly to the violent crackdown.


Summoning of Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

In a notable development, the tribunal has ordered newspaper notices to summon former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to appear in court. The summons relate to her alleged role in overseeing or authorizing the actions of law enforcement during the protests. This move has generated significant public and political attention, as it is rare for a former head of government to be summoned in such a case.


The tribunal has scheduled the first hearing on the charges for today, where the court will hear arguments from both the prosecution and defense.


Significance of the Trial

Legal experts and human rights organizations have described this trial as a crucial step toward justice and reconciliation in Bangladesh. It represents the government’s commitment to investigate and prosecute abuses of power during times of civil unrest. The case also underscores the importance of accountability for security forces and public officials involved in suppressing peaceful protests.


However, the trial has also sparked debate and controversy. Supporters of the former government view the proceedings as politically motivated, while others see it as a necessary process to uphold the rule of law.


Public and Political Reactions

The trial has drawn mixed reactions from political parties, civil society, and the general public. Opposition groups have expressed concerns over the fairness of the trial and the potential for political bias. Meanwhile, victims’ families and human rights advocates have welcomed the tribunal’s efforts to bring perpetrators to justice.


The government has assured that the trial will be conducted transparently and in accordance with international legal standards.


Next Steps

As the tribunal begins the formal hearings, attention will focus on the presentation of evidence and witness testimonies. The court is expected to set a timeline for the trial proceedings, which could extend over several months given the complexity of the case.


The outcome of the Chankharpul murder case is likely to have far-reaching implications for Bangladesh’s justice system, political landscape, and human rights record.

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