For the first time, formal charges have been filed against fled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in connection with cases of abductions and disappearances during her tenure. The charges were brought before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on October 8, 2025, marking a significant development in Bangladesh’s ongoing investigations into alleged human rights violations under the ousted Awami League government.
Prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim announced the filing of three formal charges, including two related to abductions and one related to the BGB firing incident during the July uprising. Notably, Sheikh Hasina is named in both abduction cases, alongside several other individuals. The charges are as follows:
- TFI Case: Five charges against 17 individuals, including Sheikh Hasina and Tareque Siddiqui, in connection with the abduction case of the TFI.
- JIC Disappearance Case: Five charges against 13 people, including Sheikh Hasina and Tareque Siddiqui, regarding the disappearance of individuals linked to the JIC.
- BGB Firing Incident: Six charges filed against four people concerning the BGB firing incident in Rampura during the July Movement.
This move follows earlier comments by the chief prosecutor, who had hinted at new developments related to various disappearance cases earlier this week. On October 6, the prosecutor noted that while not all investigations have been completed, major cases would soon be presented. "The investigation reports of some of the significant cases will be submitted this week. It is a complex case, so I am carefully reviewing the details," he stated.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
