Dhaka, Oct 17 (V7N) – The International Criminal Tribunal has issued an arrest warrant against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing her of genocide during the anti-discrimination student movement in July-August. The warrant was announced as the tribunal commenced trial proceedings on Thursday, October 17, 2024.

Sheikh Hasina, who served as Prime Minister during the Awami League regime, has been named as the principal accused in 54 of the 56 complaints presented before the tribunal. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam confirmed that the court has ordered her arrest and appearance before the tribunal by November 18, 2024. In addition to Sheikh Hasina, arrest warrants have been issued against 50 other individuals connected to the massacre.

In the tribunal's opening session, a detailed summary of alleged crimes against humanity committed during the Awami League regime was presented. The prosecution highlighted key events, including the killing of 74 people during the BDR rebellion, the violent crackdown on the custody rally in the Shapla area, extrajudicial killings by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and the genocide that occurred between July and August.

It is noteworthy that the Awami League government initially established the International Crimes Tribunal in 2010, with the primary aim of prosecuting individuals accused of war crimes during the 1971 Liberation War. Several leaders of Jamaat-BNP were convicted and punished under that tribunal.

The latest charges, however, mark a significant turn, as they implicate members of the former ruling party, including the former prime minister herself, in acts of genocide and other atrocities.

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