A court in Bangladesh has launched an investigation into former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s alleged involvement in the death of a grocery store owner during the violent protests that led to her ousting. The Dhaka Metropolitan Court’s order marks the first legal case against Hasina following the deadly crackdown on anti-government demonstrations last month.
The Murder Allegation
The case accuses Hasina, along with several top officials, of being responsible for the killing of a man on July 19 during the widespread protests. These demonstrations, originally sparked by opposition to the government’s employment quotas, escalated into a nationwide movement calling for Hasina’s removal from power. The protests saw violent clashes between students, government supporters, and armed police, resulting in approximately 300 deaths, including at least 32 children, according to reports from local media and international agencies.
The murder complaint, filed on Tuesday, also implicates Hasina’s former home minister, Asaduzzaman Khan, the general secretary of her party, and four former senior police officers. The case represents a significant legal challenge for Hasina, who fled Bangladesh earlier this month amidst the escalating unrest.
Hasina’s Response
In her first public statement since fleeing to India, Hasina called for an investigation into the violence during the protests, describing the incidents as “heinous killings and acts of sabotage.” However, she did not directly address the murder charges against her. Her statement, shared via her son on social media platform X, emphasized the need for accountability for those responsible for the violence but avoided any mention of her potential involvement.
“I demand a thorough investigation to identify and bring to justice those responsible for these heinous killings and acts of sabotage,” Hasina said, condemning the acts of “sabotage, arson, and violence” that claimed the lives of many innocent citizens.
Background of the Protests
The protests initially began as a reaction to the government’s quota system, which reserved 30% of civil service posts for descendants of veterans from Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence. However, the demonstrations quickly grew into a broader movement against Hasina’s 15-year rule, fueled by public dissatisfaction with her government’s response to the unrest.
As the protests intensified, Hasina blamed the opposition for the violence, imposed internet blackouts, and declared an indefinite curfew. Despite these measures, the public’s outrage continued to grow, culminating in Hasina fleeing to India. Her departure led to the dissolution of the Bangladeshi parliament and the establishment of a caretaker government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, with new elections expected within 90 days.
Future Implications
The investigation into Hasina’s alleged role in the killings during the protests represents a significant legal and political challenge for the former prime minister. As Bangladesh navigates this period of political instability, the outcome of this investigation and the forthcoming elections will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally.
