Bangladesh court opens murder case against ex-premier Sheikh Hasina

DHAKA: A court in Bangladesh opened a murder investigation into ousted ex-premier Sheikh Hasina and six top figures in her administration Tuesday over the police killing of a man during civil unrest last month. #SheikhHasinaMurderCase

Hasina, 76, fled to neighboring India a week ago and remains there. This followed a dramatic end to her iron-fisted tenure as protesters flooded Dhaka’s streets.

More than 450 people were killed during the weeks of unrest leading up to her toppling.

“A case has been filed against Sheikh Hasina and six more,” said Mamun Mia, a lawyer who brought the case on behalf of a private citizen.

He added that the Dhaka Metropolitan Court ordered police to accept “the murder case against the accused persons.” This is the first step in a criminal investigation under Bangladeshi law.

Mia’s court filing named Asaduzzaman Khan, Hasina’s former home minister, and Obaidul Quader, the Awami League’s general secretary. The case against Sheikh Hasina includes these individuals.

It also names four top police officers appointed by Hasina’s government who have since vacated their posts.

The case accuses the seven of causing the death of a grocery store owner. Police shot the owner on July 19 while violently suppressing protests.

The Daily Star reported that Amir Hamza Shatil, a local resident and “well-wisher” of the victim, brought the case. Shatil lives in the neighborhood where the shooting occurred.

Hasina’s government faced accusations of widespread human rights abuses, including the extrajudicial killing of thousands of political opponents. #SheikhHasinaMurderCase

Furthermore, the Sheikh Hasina murder case involves significant historical and political complexities. Many observers are keenly watching how the court proceedings unfold, given Hasina’s prominent role in Bangladeshi politics. Additionally, the case’s progress could impact future political dynamics in the region.
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