Bangladeshi authorities have accused several former high-ranking government officials of “enabling massacres” in the wake of a massive revolt in August during Sheikh Hasina´s regime. The special tribunal handling the case has given investigators a month to finish their investigation into former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina´s trial.
Authorities have arrested thirteen suspects, including a judge, an ex-government secretary, and eleven former ministers, on suspicion of taking part in a deadly police crackdown. According to chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, the defendants reportedly ordered security officers to shoot on sight, plotted and incited unrest, and blocked measures to avert mass executions.
The suppression of student-led protests to end a contentious government employment quota system became a more widespread demand for Hasina´s dismissal. During her nearly 16-year tenure, authorities have accused her regime of severe violations of human rights, including mass detentions of political opponents and killings.
Sheikh Hasina is still at large after escaping to New Delhi on August 5. Despite being charged, she was not present at a scheduled court hearing in Dhaka on Monday. Muhammad Yunus, Nobel laureate and interim leader, has stated that his government intends to seek a handover from India, which might cause conflicts between the two countries.
August marked one of Bangladesh’s darkest chapters in recent history during Sheikh Hasina’s regime. During the protests, thousands lost their lives as police responded with tear gas, beatings, and ammunition. Furthermore, police arrested many people.
