A case has been lodged with the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and eight others, alleging genocide, crimes against humanity, and murder during the recent student movement from July 15 to August 5. The case was filed yesterday by Md Bulbul Kabir, the father of Arif Ahmed Siyam, who was killed during the protests, as confirmed by Bulbul’s lawyer, Gazi MH Tamim.

In addition to Sheikh Hasina, the case also names the Awami League and its associate units. The application was submitted on August 14 to the chief coordinator of the tribunal's investigation agency at their Dhanmondi office, according to lawyer Tamim, who noted that the application has been accepted.

"I have filed the case under the International Criminal Tribunals Act. The tribunal's investigative body will examine the allegations and submit a report," said Tamim. He added that the trial would commence once the report is submitted.

The other accused include AL General Secretary and former Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader; former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal; former State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak; former State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat; former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun; former Detective Branch Chief of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Harun Or Rashid; former DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman; and former RAB Director General Barrister Harun Or Rashid.

Additionally, the charges extend to other ministers, state ministers, parliamentarians of the recently ousted AL-led government, certain RAB officers and members, as well as unnamed armed members of Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League.

The complaint accuses Sheikh Hasina and her former ministers and police officials of committing genocide and crimes against humanity by killing unarmed students protesting against discrimination, using local weapons, and engaging in indiscriminate firing with the intention of exterminating them either fully or partially.

V7/DK/MSS