Bangladesh lawyer files genocide case against ex-PM Hasina, 26 journalists
Case filed in Bangladesh against ex-PM Hasina, 26 journalists for genocide
A lawyer in Bangladesh has filed a case at the International Crimes Tribunal against 52 individuals, which includes former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 26 senior journalists. The complaint accuses them of crimes against humanity and genocide linked to the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement that began in July, demanding the elimination of the quota system in government jobs.
MH Gazi Tamim filed the case on behalf of Golam Razzaque, whose 17-year-old son, Nasib Hasan Rihan, was allegedly shot dead by law enforcement on August 5 in Dhaka’s Shyamoli’s Ring Road area. Hasina stepped down and fled to India on August 5 after weeks of student protests. Over 70 cases have been filed against Hasina, including 65 murder cases, and eight for crimes against humanity and genocide.
Tamim’s complaint also targets 26 journalists, accusing them of being “sycophants” of the former Awami League government. It claims they disseminated misleading information that justified the alleged genocidal actions of the previous government and law enforcement. The named journalists include Nayeemul Islam Khan, Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, Mozammel Babu, Nabanita Chowdhury, Subhash Singh Roy, and Ahmed Zobair. The complaint also names former academic figures such as professor Muhammad Zafar Iqbal and retired Supreme Court judge AHM Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik.
'Mass murder' case filed in #Bangladesh against 52 people including former PM Sheikh Hasina and 28 well-known journalists. Hasina, who was forced to resign 5 Aug in the face of mass uprising led by students, now faces 78 cases incl 65 for 'murder'. https://t.co/YLcKhbjPV8
— Sabir Mustafa (@Sabir59) August 29, 2024
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Hindu reports that four more murder cases have been filed against deposed PM Hasina and her aides in Bangladesh, taking the total number of cases against her to 53.(read more)
- New Age reports that five more cases, including one on genocide charge and four on murder charges, were filed against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her aides on Wednesday night and Thursday.(read more)
- The Hindu reports that nine more cases were filed against Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her aides, taking the total to 31, including charges of murder, crimes against humanity, and genocide.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who filed the case in the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh?
Lawyer MH Gazi Tamim filed the case.
Who are the main individuals accused in the case?
The accused include Sheikh Hasina, 26 senior journalists, professor Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, and retired judge AHM Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik.
What are the accusations against Sheikh Hasina?
Sheikh Hasina faces accusations of crimes against humanity, genocide, and involvement in 65 murder cases.
Why were the 26 journalists accused in the case?
The journalists are accused of publishing misleading information that allegedly fueled genocidal actions.
What event triggered the filing of this case?
The case was triggered by the killing of Nasib Hasan Rihan during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
