In a historic move, formal charges have been filed for the first time against ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in connection with cases of enforced disappearances that allegedly took place during her administration. The charges were submitted to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), marking a significant legal step against the former Awami League government. According to prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hussain Tamim, two formal charges related to enforced disappearances and one charge concerning the July Movement shootings have been filed with the International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Wednesday (October 8). He said, “Today, three formal charges have been submitted - two concerning enforced disappearances and one related to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officers’ involvement in the July Movement shootings.”
The Formal Charges Include: TFI Disappearance Case: Sheikh Hasina and her security adviser Tarique Siddique, along with 17 others, have been accused under five separate charges related to enforced disappearances conducted through the TFI cell. JIC Disappearance Case: Sheikh Hasina, Tarique Siddique, and 13 others face five charges for enforced disappearances reportedly carried out through the Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC). July Movement Shooting Case: Four BGB officers have been charged with six counts related to the shooting incident in Dhaka’s Rampura area during the July Movement.
Earlier on October 6, the Chief Prosecutor’s Office hinted that a series of major developments were imminent. “We’ve mentioned several cases earlier. You’ll see many of them moving forward this week. However, we’re not disclosing further details today,” the Chief Prosecutor had said.
When asked whether the investigations had been completed, the official responded, “There are many cases of enforced disappearances. While not all are finished, the investigation reports of the key cases will be submitted this week. These are complex cases, so we’re cross-checking every detail. The reports will be ready within the week.”
The cases are being closely watched, as this is the first time in Bangladesh’s history that formal legal proceedings have been initiated against a former head of government for alleged involvement in enforced disappearances - a deeply sensitive issue that has drawn both domestic and international scrutiny.
