Bangladesh charges Sheikh Hasina with crimes against humanity during 2024 protests

Bangladesh prosecutors on Sunday charged former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina with crimes against humanity for her alleged role in violent crackdowns during the 2024 student-led uprising, which culminated in the resignation and flight of the Awami League leader.

An investigation report concluded that Hasina “directly ordered” state security forces, her political party, and affiliated groups to carry out operations that resulted in mass casualties.

“These killings were planned,” Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam said during a televised hearing on Sunday, citing video evidence and encrypted communications between various agencies, according to news agency Bloomberg.

Prosecutors further alleged that Hasina, as head of government, holds command responsibility for the actions of security forces during the unrest.