In a historic and politically charged moment for Bangladesh, the country’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has formally indicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on charges of mass killing and gross abuse of state power during the violent crackdown on student-led protests in August 2024. This indictment, announced on June 1, 2025, marks the beginning of what promises to be one of the most consequential legal battles in the country’s post-independence history — one that will unfold without Hasina’s physical presence in the courtroom.

Trial in Absentia to Begin

The tribunal confirmed that the charges against Sheikh Hasina had been accepted and that proceedings would commence in absentia, following her failure to return to Bangladesh. The indictment also implicates two other high-profile figures:

• Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, the then Home Minister

• Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, the then Inspector General of Police

While Al-Mamun is currently under detention and will be tried in person, fresh arrest warrants have been issued against Hasina and Kamal, both of whom are reportedly outside the country.

The legal development comes ten months after Hasina’s government was overthrown, following nationwide outrage over the death of dozens of students during a violent crackdown on demonstrators demanding educational reform and electoral transparency. The government had deployed security forces, resulting in hundreds of injuries, deaths, and mass detentions. Human rights groups called the crackdown one of the worst in recent Bangladeshi history.

Charges and Legal Context

According to the ICT, the charges against Sheikh Hasina fall under the jurisdiction of international humanitarian law, including mass killing, crimes against humanity, and abuse of public authority. The tribunal emphasized that it had “sufficient prima facie evidence” suggesting that the chain of command in the crackdown led up to the Prime Minister’s office.

This is particularly significant because the ICT was originally established to prosecute war crimes committed during the 1971 Liberation War. Expanding its scope to prosecute a former democratically elected leader for alleged crimes committed while in office sets a precedent of accountability — one that many in Bangladesh hope will deter future abuse of power.

A Televised Historic First

In a bold and unprecedented move, the June 1 tribunal proceedings were broadcast live on national television, signaling what observers see as both a symbolic and strategic act. Legal experts and political commentators agree that the live broadcast was intended to convey transparency, while also exerting psychological pressure on the former premier.

One senior legal analyst remarked:

“This is not just a trial; it is a message — to Hasina, to her supporters, and to the public — that no one is above the law.”

India's Diplomatic Quandary

The indictment has placed India in a challenging diplomatic position. Sheikh Hasina is currently believed to be residing in India, under what is described as temporary political asylum. In response to the indictment, the Bangladeshi interim government has formally requested her extradition. However, New Delhi has yet to respond publicly.

India’s silence has not gone unnoticed. Several international and regional observers believe that India’s response could shape the trajectory of its bilateral ties with Bangladesh. With elections looming in both nations, the situation is particularly delicate.

Political analysts suggest that if India is perceived as shielding Hasina, it could sour relations with Bangladesh’s interim administration and trigger public backlash among Bangladeshis who view this trial as a long-overdue quest for justice.

Wider Implications of the Trial

This legal move is not an isolated case. Since Hasina’s ouster in August 2024, she has faced a barrage of legal actions, including cases related to corruption, abuse of power, and intimidation of political opponents. However, the ICT indictment is the most serious yet, and it could potentially lead to a life sentence or capital punishment, depending on the outcome.

What sets this trial apart from other political cases in South Asia is the institutional legitimacy of the ICT, which was previously internationally recognized during war crimes trials in the 2010s. The move to prosecute Hasina under this body could improve public confidence in the legal process — or conversely, spark controversy among her loyalists.

Public and Political Reactions

The announcement triggered mixed reactions across Bangladesh.

• Student unions and civil society organizations welcomed the indictment, describing it as “a victory for democratic values.”

• Hasina’s party, the Awami League, condemned the move as a “judicial coup” orchestrated by the interim administration.

• International watchdogs have expressed concern about due process, particularly given the trial’s in-absentia nature.

Nonetheless, public sentiment remains largely supportive of the trial, especially among those directly affected by last year’s deadly crackdown.

Potential Outcomes and Next Steps

The ICT has laid out a tentative schedule for the trial, which includes multiple phases:

1. Presentation of Evidence by the prosecution

2. Testimony from Victims’ Families and Witnesses

3. Legal Arguments on Command Responsibility

Legal observers believe the trial could last several months, but verdicts may be expedited if Hasina refuses to appear before the court. Under Bangladeshi law, a verdict delivered in absentia can still be appealed if the accused returns and agrees to face trial in person.

Impact on Regional and International Politics

The case is also being closely followed by international legal bodies, including the International Criminal Court (ICC), although the ICT is not directly affiliated. Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are expected to issue detailed reviews of the trial process as it unfolds.

In the broader geopolitical context, Hasina’s indictment could shift South Asia’s political landscape, especially if it leads to further legal scrutiny of leaders accused of abusing their powers during civil unrest.

Conclusion

Sheikh Hasina’s indictment for mass killings during the 2024 student protest crackdown represents a watershed moment in Bangladesh’s quest for justice and accountability. The decision to proceed with the trial in absentia, the televised proceedings, and the diplomatic implications involving India make this a complex and far-reaching development.

As the trial begins, the eyes of the region — and the world — remain fixed on Bangladesh. The outcome of this case will not only determine Hasina’s political future but may also redefine the boundaries of accountability for powerful leaders across the Global South.

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