Bangladesh begins trial of Sheikh Hasina for roles in violent crackdowns during 2024 student led uprising

DHAKA: Bangladesh has indicted Sheikh Hasina for her alleged role in the armed crackdown during the 2024 student quota protests. Bangladesh prosecutors have opened proceedings against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two senior officials.

The action follows an investigation report that Hasina directly ordered the country's security forces, political parties and allied groups to carry out operations that caused widespread damage and the deaths of activists.

Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam made the statement in a televised hearing, citing video evidence and private communications between various agencies. Islam said 81 people have been included as witnesses in the case. Islam had said last month that about 1,500 people were killed and 25,000 injured in Hasina's inhumane crackdown.

The student unrest broke out in August 2024 after Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for 15 years, faced corruption allegations. She then resigned as Prime Minister, left the country, and sought refuge in India.