A murder investigation has been initiated against Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in connection with the police killing of a man during civil unrest last month.
Six other high-ranking officials from the previous government are also under investigation following weeks of violent demonstrations in the capital, Dhaka.
Mamun Mia, a lawyer representing a private citizen, revealed that a Dhaka court has ordered police to file a murder case against the accused.
This marks the initial stage of a criminal investigation under Bangladeshi law.
Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country earlier this month, seeking refuge in New Delhi, India, after political turmoil destabilized her administration.
The unrest, primarily driven by student protests, resulted in over 400 deaths, with many victims shot by police on her orders.
The case was brought forward by businessman Amir Hamza in July after Abu Saeed, a local grocer, was fatally shot in the head while crossing the road.
Hamza, who has no personal connection to Saeed but stepped forward because Saeed’s family lacked the means to pursue legal action, alleged that on July 19, police had fired indiscriminately at a peaceful student protest, as reported by BBC Bangla.
Hamza stated, “I am the first ordinary citizen to take legal action against Sheikh Hasina for her crimes.
I am committed to seeing this case through to the end,” he told Reuters.
Magistrate Rajesh Chowdhury has ordered the police to investigate the case, marking the first legal action against Hasina since the protests erupted.
Former Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader is among those being investigated.
Hasina’s 15-year tenure was marred by allegations of human rights abuses and widespread corruption.
The recent student protests, which began in early July as a peaceful demand for the elimination of quotas in civil service jobs, evolved into a broader movement aimed at overthrowing the government.
Hasina had called for a harsh crackdown on the protesters, labeling them as “terrorists” intent on destabilizing the nation.
The new government, now led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, includes many of the former protesters.
Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, has stated that she will return to Bangladesh once elections are announced.
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