Bangladesh Tribunal Investigates Former PM Hasina for War Crimes

A Bangladeshi war crimes tribunal has initiated three investigations into former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, focusing on allegations of "mass murder" linked to violent protests that led to her departure from the country. The unrest, which saw over 450 fatalities, primarily due to police actions, erupted during a month of student-led demonstrations against Hasina's 15-year rule. The tribunal's deputy director, Ataur Rahman, confirmed that preliminary evidence is being gathered, with plans to visit crime scenes in Dhaka's suburbs. The cases were filed by private individuals, implicating several of Hasina's former aides. Reports indicate that local police have also initiated at least 15 cases against her, some predating the recent protests, with charges including murder and "crimes against humanity." The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), established by Hasina in 2010 to address wartime atrocities, has previously sentenced over 100 individuals to death, including political adversaries, drawing criticism from human rights organizations for its adherence to international legal standards. The UN human rights office has raised concerns regarding the actions of security forces during the protests, suggesting they employed excessive and disproportionate force. Allegations of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and torture have emerged, prompting calls for a thorough independent investigation into the events surrounding the unrest.