Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina Faces Three New Legal Challenges

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been named in three additional criminal cases in Bangladesh, adding to a growing list of legal troubles since her resignation on August 5. The new cases involve serious allegations related to attacks on political rivals and recent violent incidents.

New Allegations

The latest cases accuse Hasina of orchestrating an attack on her political adversary, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Khaleda Zia, during a 2015 incident. BNP leader Bellal Hossain filed the case, implicating Hasina and 113 others in the assault on Zia’s convoy. The complaint also mentions 500 to 700 unidentified attackers involved in the incident, as detailed in the FIR registered at Dhaka’s Tejgaon police station.

Hasina is also implicated in the death of 18-year-old college student Nazibul Sarkar, who was killed during a student protest in Joypurhat on August 4. The case, filed by Sarkar’s father, Mazidul Sarkar, names Hasina, former road transport minister Obaidul Quader, and 128 others. This case is being heard at the Joypurhat chief judicial magistrate’s court.

Additionally, a third case has been filed by Bangladesh People’s Party president Mohammad Babul Sardar Chakhari. This complaint accuses Hasina and 33 others of firing on a rally organized by the Islamist group Hefajat-e Islam at Shapla Chattar in 2013, resulting in multiple fatalities.

Escalating Tensions

The fresh legal actions come amid ongoing unrest in Bangladesh. Officials reported that 44 police officers were killed during recent protests and the subsequent violence following Hasina’s departure from office. The UN has reported over 600 deaths, including those of students, during the protests that called for Hasina’s ouster.

The mounting legal issues for Hasina highlight the deepening political turmoil in Bangladesh as the country grapples with the aftermath of widespread unrest and violence.