The Awami League has filed an Article 15 Communication with the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor, seeking an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed against its leaders, activists, and affiliates in Bangladesh following the July 2024 uprising.
The complaint, submitted by Steven Powles KC of Doughty Street Chambers in London, urges the ICC Prosecutor to open an investigation into alleged retaliatory violence, imprisonment, and persecution targeting individuals linked to Sheikh Hasina’s former regime.
Bangladesh ratified the Rome Statute of the ICC on 23 March 2010, and the Statute took effect for the country on 1 June that year.
The communication asserts that there is reasonable ground to believe these acts constitute crimes against humanity, including murder and unlawful detention, and that they cannot be genuinely investigated or prosecuted within Bangladesh.
It warns that impunity would otherwise prevail.
The submission alleges that around 400 Awami League leaders and activists have been killed since July 2024 – many through mob beatings and lynchings – supported by video evidence and witness testimonies.
It also claims that 25 individuals linked to the party have died in police custody, with several bodies showing clear signs of torture despite being officially declared as heart attack victims.
The complaint alleges a pattern of arbitrary arrests of politicians, judges, lawyers, journalists, and even cultural figures such as actors and singers, based solely on perceived political association.
It also claims that in February 2025, the interim administration launched Operation “Devil Hunt” under the banner of fighting “Awami fascism.” Conducted jointly by police and the army, the operation reportedly led to the arrest of 18,000 people within 12 days.
The document further references an immunity order issued on 14 October 2024, which declared that “students and citizens who put forth all efforts to make this uprising successful will not face prosecution, arrest or harassment for their acts between 15 July and 8 August 2024.”
The communication concludes that, with no realistic prospect of domestic justice, the ICC Prosecutor should open an investigation to identify those responsible.
The submission stresses that retaliatory crimes during political transitions pose an urgent threat to justice and fall squarely within the ICC’s jurisdiction. It maintains that addressing these offences is essential to uphold international law and ensure accountability.
