Politics
Hasina Rejects July Crackdown Charges, Calls Tribunal a “Kangaroo Court”
Bangladesh’s ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has denied allegations of crimes against humanity linked to the deadly crackdown on the July protests last year. Speaking to the BBC via email ahead of an imminent verdict by a special tribunal, she described the trial as a politically orchestrated “kangaroo court” and a “farce”.
The prosecution has sought the death penalty for Hasina, prompting heightened security around the tribunal in Dhaka. She stands accused of personally authorising the use of lethal force by security agencies during the mass demonstrations against her rule—allegations she “categorically” denies.
UN human rights investigators estimate that up to 1,400 people may have been killed in the violence aimed at preserving her government’s hold on power. A verified audio recording presented in court appears to indicate her approval of lethal weapons in July 2024.
In July, formal charges were also brought against former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Kamal, who is absconding, faces a prosecution demand for the death penalty, while Mamun has admitted guilt but awaits sentencing.
Hasina claims the trial has been predetermined from the outset and that she has been denied the opportunity to defend herself or appoint legal counsel. She alleges that her political rivals initiated the cases in an attempt to “eradicate” the Awami League as a political force.
Her legal team has submitted an urgent appeal to the United Nations, raising concerns over due process and the integrity of the tribunal. Meanwhile, a ban on the Awami League’s participation in the upcoming February national election remains in effect.
Responding to further questions, Hasina also denied separate allegations of grave human rights violations committed during her 15-year rule. Following her ouster, several secret detention facilities were uncovered in Bangladesh, where critics and political opponents were allegedly held or killed without due process. Hasina claimed she was “unaware” of such practices and rejected accusations of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. She also denies corruption charges for which she faces trial in a separate court.
Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and spokesperson of Inqilab Manch, has undergone a primary surgery at Dhaka Medical College Hospital after being shot earlier on Friday. Hospital director Brigadier General Md Asaduzzaman confirmed in the evening that Hadi was being transferred to Evercare Hospital following a decision by his family.
According to the hospital authorities, Hadi suffered a bullet injury to the head and additional injuries to the chest. The injury to his leg is believed to have occurred when he fell from the rickshaw during the attack. Although the family initially considered transferring him to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), they later opted for Evercare Hospital, which has already been prepared to receive him.
Hadi was shot at around 2:20 pm on Friday while travelling by rickshaw along the Bijoynagar culvert road. Unknown assailants on a motorcycle opened fire at him and fled the scene. A bullet pierced just below his left ear. His colleagues rescued him and took him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital around 2:40 pm.
Law enforcement agencies are investigating the incident, as no information about the attackers or the motive has yet been confirmed.
Tensions flared at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Friday as supporters of Sharif Osman Hadi reacted angrily to the arrival of BNP candidate Mirza Abbas. Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and spokesperson of Inquilab Manch, is currently undergoing treatment after being shot earlier in the day.
Around 4 pm, Mirza Abbas reached the hospital’s emergency entrance, where Hadi’s supporters began chanting “fake, fake” slogans against him. The situation quickly became heated, prompting army personnel on site to escort Abbas inside under security. Supporters continued chanting outside the emergency unit.
After checking on Hadi’s condition, Abbas left the hospital around 4:30 pm without speaking to the media.
Earlier, around noon, Hadi was shot by assailants who approached on motorcycles while he was traveling by rickshaw in Bijoynagar. Following his admission, additional police and army personnel were deployed around Dhaka Medical College Hospital, including at the emergency gate. An army vehicle entered the hospital premises at 3:50 pm.
Hadi had previously reported receiving threats from around 30 domestic and international phone numbers last November. In a Facebook post on 14 November, he stated he had been threatened with murder, arson at his home, and sexual violence against his mother, sister and wife.
Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate from Dhaka-8 and spokesperson for Inquilab Manch, is now on life support after being shot in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area on Friday. Brigadier General Md Asaduzzaman, director of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, confirmed his critical condition in a briefing given after 4 pm.
Hospital authorities reported that the bullet penetrated inside Hadi’s head after entering through the area beneath his left ear. Emergency physician Dr Mostak Ahmed said Hadi was in extremely critical condition upon arrival and was given CPR before being shifted to life support.
The attack occurred around 2:20 pm in the Box Culvert area of Bijoynagar when assailants on two motorcycles opened fire at Hadi and fled immediately. Misbah, who brought him to the hospital, said Hadi had just finished Juma prayers and was travelling by rickshaw when the attackers fired at him.
Deputy Police Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman said police were still gathering details, but initial reports suggest Hadi was on a rickshaw when motorcycle-borne gunmen shot him.
Last month, Hadi claimed he had received threats from around 30 domestic and international phone numbers. In a Facebook post on 14 November, he alleged threats of murder, arson at his home, and sexual violence targeting his mother, sister, and wife