The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has ordered the commencement of a formal trial against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, on charges of crimes against humanity committed during the mass student and public uprising in July-August 2024.
The order to frame charges was delivered on Thursday by a three-member panel of judges headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumder. The other members of the tribunal include Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.
Despite Sheikh Hasina and Kamal’s plea for immunity, the tribunal rejected the request and proceeded with the charges.
Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam represented the prosecution, supported by a team of other prosecutors. As Sheikh Hasina was absent, state-appointed lawyer Amir Hossain represented her in court. Former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who was present in custody, was defended by lawyer Zayed Bin Amzad.
Earlier, on June 16, the tribunal had issued notices in both Bengali and English newspapers, summoning the absconding Hasina and Kamal to appear before the court. As they failed to surrender within the given timeframe, the hearing proceeded in absentia through their court-appointed counsel.
On June 1, the tribunal officially accepted charges against Sheikh Hasina. Alongside her, five-count of crimes against humanity were brought against Kamal and Abdullah Al-Mamun. The tribunal proceedings on that day were broadcast live on state television (BTV).
Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in the face of a student-led and popular uprising on August 5, 2024, the tribunal was restructured. This case marks the first trial initiated in connection with alleged crimes against humanity committed during that uprising.
Additionally, Sheikh Hasina faces two more cases—one related to enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings during her tenure, and the other concerning the deadly crackdown on the Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar.
The allegations stem from the violent suppression of the 2024 mass protests, during which members of the Awami League, its affiliated cadres, administrative officials, and segments of the security forces allegedly committed acts of genocide, enforced disappearances, sexual violence, and other crimes against humanity. These are currently under trial in two separate international crimes tribunals.