Sheikh Hasina's Government Collapses Amid Protests
The allegations against Sheikh Hasina's government have sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability, with many demanding justice for the victims of the violent crackdowns. The International Crimes Tribunal's investigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what consequences Hasina and her former officials will face for their alleged roles in the atrocities.
Sheikh Hasina's premiership reached a dramatic end in August 2024 as protests swept through Dhaka, ultimately forcing her to step down and flee to India, following a violent crackdown on civilians that has led to allegations of crimes against humanity.
The protests, led by the "Long March to Dhaka" movement, brought the state to the brink of collapse, with Hasina initially refusing to resign despite immense pressure from military officials and her own sister. However, it was her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy who eventually convinced her to step down, leading to her exile in India. In the final hours of her premiership, Hasina stood defiant at her official residence, Ganabhaban, refusing to bend to the rising tide, and reportedly told senior Armed Forces officers to "shoot me and bury me here" if they wanted her to step down.
The events surrounding Hasina's resignation and exile were disclosed during a hearing at the International Crimes Tribunal by chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam. The prosecutor also submitted a formal charge concerning crimes against humanity in Dhaka's Chankharpul during the student protests, alleging that Hasina's government was responsible for violent state-sponsored crackdowns during the 2024 uprising. The Chankharpul massacre, in which seven unarmed civilians were killed by police on August 5, has been cited as a key example of these atrocities.
A formal complaint has been filed against eight top police officials, including former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman, for crimes against humanity, unlawful detention, and extrajudicial killings. The International Crimes Tribunal has revealed new testimony and evidence showing Hasina's government unraveled under pressure, leading to her fleeing to India in the final hours of her rule. Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam has stated that Hasina bore command responsibility for the atrocities committed during her rule.
The collapse of Sheikh Hasina's government has sent shockwaves throughout the region, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding her resignation and exile. As the International Crimes Tribunal continues to investigate allegations of crimes against humanity, the people of Bangladesh are left to pick up the pieces and wonder what the future holds for their country.