Dhaka, August 13, 2024, The Europe Today: In a significant development, a court in Bangladesh has launched a murder investigation into former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and six prominent figures from her administration. The investigation stems from the police killing of a grocery store owner during civil unrest in July.
The case, filed by Amir Hamza, a local resident and “well-wisher” of the deceased, accuses Hasina and her associates of being responsible for the death. The incident occurred on July 19 when police, allegedly under orders from the government, violently suppressed protests, leading to the fatal shooting.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Court has directed the police to proceed with the murder case against the accused, marking the initiation of a criminal investigation under Bangladeshi law. This case is particularly noteworthy as it is the first legal action taken against Hasina following the violent uprisings last month, which claimed the lives of around 300 individuals, many of whom were students.
The court filing names former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and Obaidul Quader, the general secretary of Hasina’s Awami League party, among the accused. Additionally, four top police officers who were appointed by Hasina’s government and have since vacated their posts are also listed.
The civil unrest, initially sparked by demonstrations against government job quotas, escalated into a widespread movement demanding Hasina’s resignation. The unrest culminated in the former premier fleeing to India on August 5, where she is currently residing in New Delhi.
Hasina’s government, which held power for 15 years, has faced severe criticism and allegations of human rights abuses, including the extrajudicial killing of thousands of political opponents. According to her son, Hasina intends to return to Bangladesh once the caretaker government, led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, determines the timing of the next elections.
This investigation marks a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s political landscape, with potential far-reaching implications for the country’s future governance.
