What are the five charges against Hasina?
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) prosecution has filed five charges against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing her of crimes against humanity for alleged actions during the July–August 2024 uprising that left hundreds dead and thousands injured.
Prosecutors sought the death penalty for Hasina, who they described in investigative documents as the "mastermind, order-giver, and superior commander" behind what they allege were widespread and systematic attacks on unarmed students and civilians. The indictment claims that law enforcers under her command, along with armed activists of the Awami League, carried out operations that resulted in the killing of 1,400 people and the maiming of another 25,000.
The charges, which also name former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, centre on allegations of incitement, provocation and command responsibility. Prosecutors say the accused "instructed, assisted, participated in, and conspired" in the commission of crimes, fully aware of the consequences of their directives.
Charge 1: Incitement through remarks
The first charge alleges that Hasina delivered an inciteful speech at a 14 July, 2024 press conference, triggering actions by senior government figures.
Prosecutors say the speech contributed to attacks involving murder, attempted murder, torture and other inhumane acts.
The charge includes allegations of incitement, provocation, aiding the commission of offences, failing to prevent the crimes, failing to punish those responsible and participating in a conspiracy that enabled violence.
Charge 2: Ordering use of lethal weapons from helicopters
The second charge accuses Hasina of ordering the use of helicopters, drones and lethal weapons against student protesters with the intent to kill. Prosecutors say she instructed, assisted, participated in and conspired in the commission of these alleged crimes against humanity.
Charge 3: Killing of Abu Sayed
The third charge concerns the 16 July killing of unarmed protester Abu Sayed in front of Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur. According to the prosecution, security forces fired multiple rounds at close range into his chest. Hasina is accused of directing, inciting, assisting, participating in and conspiring in the killing.
Charge 4: Killings in Chankharpul
The fourth charge relates to the 5 August shooting of six unarmed protesters in Dhaka's Chankharpul area. Prosecutors say the attack was carried out by law enforcers and armed Awami League activists under the command, supervision and alleged approval of the accused.
Charge 5: Killings and burning of bodies in Ashulia
The final charge deals with another incident on 5 August in Ashulia, where six unarmed protesters were allegedly shot dead. Prosecutors say five bodies were burned, and another victim, critically injured, was set on fire. The charge includes allegations of instruction, instigation, assistance, involvement and conspiracy.
Hasina and her co-accused have denied wrongdoing in earlier statements, saying the actions of security forces were not ordered by the political leadership.