Bangladesh Charges Sheikh Hasina with Crimes Against Humanity

Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) filed formal charges of crimes against humanity against deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 40 other individuals on July 28, 2026. The charges relate to a May 2013 police crackdown on a rally organized by the Islamist group Hefazat-e-Islam at Shapla Chattar in Dhaka. The rally had been part of a blockade to demand the protection of religious values and action against bloggers.

ICT Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam stated that investigators identified 58 deaths resulting from the operation across Dhaka and four other districts. This figure contradicts the 11 deaths acknowledged by the Awami League government at the time. The accused include former ministers, senior Awami League leaders, retired army chief General Aziz Ahmed, and several former police chiefs.

The tribunal has issued arrest warrants for fugitives, including the former army chief and security officials, while nine other accused remain jailed. Hasina has resided in India since August 5, 2024, after student-led protests toppled her government. She was previously sentenced to death in absentia in November 2025 for suppressing those 2024 protests. The current interim regime under Muhammad Yunus enabled these proceedings by amending the ICT law to allow the prosecution of Awami League officials for crimes against humanity.