Latest news with #Anti-TerrorismAct
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina charged with crimes against humanity
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been formally charged with crimes against humanity by the country's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) over her alleged role in the violent nationwide uprising of July 2024, according to local media reports. The charges, which were made public on Sunday, mark a significant turn in the political landscape of Bangladesh, as the trial of the exiled former leader began with live television coverage. Alongside Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun have also been named co-accused in the case. The tribunal, in its Sunday session, received a formal submission of charges from prosecutors who claimed Hasina was the central figure responsible for instigating the mass violence that engulfed the country during July and August last year. Leading Bangladeshi daily, The Dhaka Tribune, reported that an investigation report submitted on May 12 identified Hasina as having "directly ordered" the killings. The findings allege that she instructed state security forces, members of her political party, and affiliated organisations to execute brutal crackdowns against the growing wave of anti-government protests. "These killings were planned," said Chief Prosecutor of Bangladesh's ICT Mohammad Tajul Islam, during the high-profile televised hearing. He presented video recordings and encrypted communications as evidence, claiming they establish Hasina's orchestration of a "coordinated, widespread and systematic attack." According to the prosecution, Hasina, then serving as the head of government, bore command responsibility for the violent actions carried out by security forces under her leadership during the peak of the unrest. "She unleashed all law enforcement agencies and her armed party members to crush the uprising," Tajul Islam told the tribunal. This development comes weeks after the interim government, currently led by Muhammad Yunus, banned all activities of the Awami League -- Hasina's party -- under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The mass protests, initially sparked in early 2024 by student-led demonstrations opposing a controversial job quota system, quickly morphed into a widespread movement demanding Hasina's resignation. By August 5, facing intense pressure, Hasina stepped down and fled to New Delhi, where she has remained in self-imposed exile. In October 2024, the ICT issued an arrest warrant against her and formally requested her extradition from India.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina charged with crimes against humanity in Bangladesh
Prosecutors with Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal on Sunday formally charged former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina with crimes against humanity, alleging her role in ordering mass killings during a nationwide uprising in July, local media reported. The charges, submitted by Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam and his team, accuse Hasina of being the chief instigator behind the violent crackdown that unfolded during the July and August unrest, according to The Dhaka Tribune. Two senior members of her former government — former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Mamun — have also been named as co-accused. 'The evidence points clearly to her role in directing the operation,' Islam told The Dhaka Tribune following the filing 'This was a coordinated attack on civilians, and she bears command responsibility.' The tribunal's move follows the May 12 submission of an investigation report that, for the first time, officially named Hasina as the authority who ordered the killings. This comes weeks after the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus banned all activities of Awami League under the Anti-Terrorism Act after days of protests. The government cited national security threats and a war crimes investigation underway against the party's top leadership over the deaths of hundreds of protesters. On August 5, Sheikh Hasina had resigned, vacated her residence in Dhaka and left the country for an undisclosed location in India, as protesters came out on the streets of Dhaka defying curfew orders. After entering Indian airspace, the helicopter she was flying in circled for some time and later landed at a BSF helipad in Agartala. She went to Delhi from there and landed at the Indian military airbase in Hindon on Monday evening.
News18
5 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Yunus Regime's Political Vendetta Deepens Bangladesh Crisis
Last Updated: The interim government's political vendetta has become increasingly apparent, as has the growing shadow of disapproval cast over the Yunus administration The interim government has now been in power for nine months, yet Bangladesh remains trapped in a cycle of political turmoil and uncertainty. On one side, political parties are more fragmented than ever before, while on the other, the interim administration continues to struggle with addressing the country's persistent socio-economic and political challenges. Although the interim government was established with broad consensus among civil society, political leaders, and the military following the mass uprising of 2024, the interim government under Muhammad Yunus has faced considerable difficulties since its formation. Indeed, much of the disorder that has engulfed the nation since last August can be attributed to the Yunus administration. While there was initial enthusiasm for a reformed Bangladesh, free from its authoritarian legacy, the interim government has largely proven to be a passive administration, repeatedly mired in controversy. It could be argued that the criticisms directed at the Yunus administration originate from remnants of the deposed Hasina regime. Yunus has secured considerable support from global leaders, thereby legitimising the interim government and receiving strong endorsement primarily from Western countries in its pursuit of reforms and conduct of elections. Nonetheless, domestically, the legislative initiatives intended to implement reforms have encountered opposition not only from some of the very factions that contributed to the establishment of the interim government but also from international human rights organisations. Key legislative measures include the Cyber Protection Ordinance, amendments to the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, and the Anti-Terrorism Act. The state of media freedom in Bangladesh remains deeply concerning, with numerous reports of violence, harassment, censorship, and prosecution of journalists and media outlets. Often these outlets are being accused by the interim government as collaborators with the Awami League—contradicting its commitment to uphold press freedom. The introduction of the Cyber Protection Ordinance, which replaced the contentious Cyber Security Act (CSA), quickly sparked apprehension regarding the government's surveillance practices under the guise of enhancing cyber security. Organisations such as Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) criticised the ordinance for being approved without adequate public consultation and for retaining CSA's surveillance provisions, thereby posing a potential threat to media freedom in the future. This development coincided with the interim government's cancellation of press accreditation for 167 journalists and the filing of charges of 'crimes against humanity" against 25 journalists due to their alleged links with the Awami League government, provoking condemnation from human rights groups. Media freedom remains a critical concern, exhibiting patterns reminiscent of the previous administration. The most recent report by the Rights and Risk Analysis Group (RRAG), published on World Press Freedom Day 2025—when Bangladesh ranked 149th out of 180 countries—revealed that in the eight months under Dr Yunus's interim government, 640 journalists were targeted. The administration's efforts to suppress media critical of Yunus have involved not only branding them as pro-Awami League but also revoking press accreditations, resorting to violence, and levying criminal charges including money laundering, criminal offences, and terrorism. Consequently, urgent media reforms demand serious and immediate attention. The amendment of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act through an ordinance extended the powers of investigative offices to conduct searches and seize evidence without prior approval from the tribunal. Additionally, the new ordinance authorised the tribunal to freeze and confiscate the assets of the accused. More recently, a second amendment introduced provisions allowing the trial and punishment of 'organisations' for crimes within the tribunal's jurisdiction. In essence, these amendments enhanced the tribunal's authority to ban organisations, confiscate their properties, and suspend their registration if found guilty of crimes against humanity. Initially, political parties were included in the ordinance, but this was subsequently removed to avoid political controversy. Nonetheless, these amendments—particularly the second—have attracted significant criticism from human rights organisations such as Human Rights Watch (HRW), which argue that they undermine fundamental human rights. Concerns have been raised that these changes could be exploited as tools for political repression of opposition groups, lacking adequate accountability, thus posing a threat to democratic principles. The ban on the Awami League has only reinforced this scepticism. On the 11th of this month, the interim government approved the draft ordinance of the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Act, introducing a new provision to prohibit activities of individuals or 'entities' involved in terrorism, thereby granting the government extensive powers to regulate political activities. Just one day earlier, the interim government imposed a ban on the 'activities" of the Awami League amid increasing pressure from the Nationalist Communist Party (NCP) and Islamic parties. The ordinance, approved overnight, revised the existing Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009 and was subsequently used on 12 May to officially disband the Awami League, providing a clear indication of arbitrary targeting and suppression without accountability. This action provoked widespread condemnation from foreign governments, international human rights organisations, as well as domestic political leaders and analysts. The systematic targeting of Awami League leaders, activists, and supporters—who have faced mob violence over the past nine months—has sparked concern and criticism over the interim government's failure to prevent the country's descent into lawlessness. Instead, through the launch of Operation Devil Hunt aimed at curbing mob attacks, the interim government appeared to be settling political scores by arresting a disproportionate number of League sympathisers. The banning of a political party mirrored the authoritarian tactics of the deposed government, now widely labelled 'fascist', fuelling fears of a further erosion of democratic space. Moreover, the interim government's ordinance on enforced disappearance has also faced criticism for lacking public consultation, accountability measures, and failing to address past abuses. The interim government's recent legislative initiatives, presented as reforms, amount to little more than old wine in new bottles. While political parties in Bangladesh remain divided on the issue, international human rights organisations have been unequivocal in their criticism—these measures pose a significant threat to fundamental human freedoms. The interim government's political vendetta has become increasingly apparent, as has the growing shadow of disapproval cast over the Yunus administration. The writer is an author and a columnist. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 30, 2025, 11:43 IST News opinion Global Watch | Yunus Regime's Political Vendetta Deepens Bangladesh Crisis
News18
27-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Should India Worry About Seizure Of Kuki-Chin National Front Uniforms In Bangladesh? Exclusive
Last Updated: According to intelligence sources, the KNF crisis in Bangladesh poses a risk to India's security and regional stability Over 30,000 Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) uniforms have been seized from a garment factory in Chattogram, Bangladesh, in what intelligence sources called an example of terror financing. Acting on a tip-off, Ringvo Apparels located in Nayarhat was raided on May 17-18, and the seizure was disclosed on May 25. The factory owner, the individual who placed the order, and a local KNF commander have been arrested, said police. The uniforms deal was a Tk 2 crore (approximately 20 million USD) contract finalised in March 2025, with delivery scheduled for May 2025. A case was filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act on May 18 at the Bayezid Bostami Police Station in Chittagong. The factory's owners claimed they were unaware of the illegal nature of the order until police intervention. WHAT IS KNF? ITS LINK TO INDIA CNN-News18 has earlier reported that the KNF, active in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, aims to establish a separate state. The group has been accused of extortion, kidnappings, bank robberies, and collaborating with Islamist militants. According to sources, the KNF crisis in Bangladesh poses a risk to India's security and regional stability. The Chittagong Hill Tracts border India's Northeast and Myanmar's Chin State, creating a critical tri-junction for militant coordination. The KNF maintains close ties with Myanmar's Chin militants and India's Northeastern insurgents, forming a united front against India. 'The discovery of uniforms for a cadre of 12,000 suggests stockpiling for future recruitment, resale, or collaboration with other militant groups. The large-scale production of uniforms indicates the militarisation of the KNF and signals preparations for prolonged conflict or territorial control," they said. KNF militants have reportedly entered Mizoram disguised as refugees fleeing Bangladeshi military operations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, raising concerns about insurgents establishing bases in India, smuggling arms, or conducting training activities. The KNF has connections with Jamaa'tul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya (JAFHS), an Islamist terror group, aiming to target Northeast India through cross-border attacks and radicalization. 'The Tk 2 crore uniform contract exemplifies how banned groups like the KNF exploit legal businesses in Bangladesh. The use of intermediaries to place orders and the lack of due diligence by factories like Ringvo Apparels, a profit-making company, highlight vulnerabilities in the system. The Bangladesh Army's intervention signals that the issue has escalated beyond local crime," sources said. The KNF's history of bank robberies and ties to Islamist militants has further raised fears of coordinated attacks or insurgency growth. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated!
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Why Awami League banned again
Awami League, the majority party in the December 1970 general elections in Pakistan, was banned on March 26, 1971 when President General Yahya Khan refused to transfer power to the party. The banned League launched freedom movement and succeeded in carving the state of Bangladesh out of Pakistan. Thus, Awami League emerged as the founder party of Bangladesh, but ironically Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rehman in January 1975 banned all political parties including, Awami League, and established one-party system in the newly-established country under Baksal party. Years after Mujib's assassination in August 1975, his daughter Sheikh Hasina revived Awami League and managed to come to power in 1996. Later, in 2009, Hasina assumed power for a second time and continued to lead the country till August 2024 when she had to escape to India due to a popular movement against her government. In May 2025, the interim government of Dr Muhammad Yunus banned the League. Despite Hasina's autocratic and repressive rule spanning more than 15 years, Awami League still has its support base in Bangladesh. Thus the ban on the party might be counter-productive. In its May 12, 2025 issue, The Diplomat writes, "Bangladesh's interim government has banned all activities, including the online presence, of the Awami League (AL), led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, until the ongoing trials for crimes against humanity and genocide involving its leaders - these relate to the party's deadly crackdown on the July uprising of 2024 - are concluded." Why has the interim government banned Awami League and how will it impact the polarised politics of Bangladesh? Will Awami League resurface under the new name? What will be the implications of the ban? When banned in March 1971 by the military regime in Pakistan, Awami League faced charges of sedition. Banned for the second time, in May 2025, the party is fighting allegations of extrajudicial killings and corruption for which its leaders, including former PM Hasina, are under trial. The Diplomat further writes, "The decision, which came nine months after Hasina's ouster from power by students-led mass protests, has been taken under the Anti-Terrorism Act, which was enacted by the AL back in 2009. The interim government banned the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the AL's notorious student wing, under the same act on October 23 last year. The ban on the AL marks a significant escalation in Bangladesh's turbulent political landscape. It also raises questions about the efficacy and implications of banning political parties in a country with a history of such measures." A few weeks ago, a massive demonstration held outside the residence of Dr Yunus by the newly formed National Citizens Party (NCP) and Jamaat-e-Islami demanded that Awami League be banned because of its role in crushing the student movement of July-August 2024 in which more than 1,400 people were killed. Surprisingly, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) also welcomed the ban on Awami League even though it had opposed it in October last year. New Delhi has also, quite understandably, criticised the ban, saying it undermines democracy and is meant to promote an exclusive mode of politics. Despite the fall in Hasina's popularity, particularly due to her taking refuge in India, Awami League is not at all a dead horse and its role in Bangladeshi politics cannot be dismissed. The vacuum left behind due the ban on the League cannot be filed by NCP, Jamaat or BNP. The League will not remain under Hasina's influence forever, and a new leadership will emerge and try to restore its vote bank. As The Diplomat aptly remarked, "The ban on the AL has major implications for Bangladesh. Its removal from the political arena leaves a vacuum in the ideological space once dominated by Bengali nationalism. Since before the country's independence, Bengali nationalism has been the AL's ideological cornerstone and a unifying political tool to justify its regime and marginalize opposition voices, especially those promoting religious or ethnic identity politics." The ban on Awami League will have three major ramifications: One, the credibility of the caretaker government will dwindle because it has neither the mandate nor the legitimacy to take major policy decisions. Banning Bangladesh's founder party and attempting to erase Sheikh Mujib from the minds of people - by removing his picture from the currency notes - will not work. Furthermore, taking a decision under the influence of NCP or Jamaat reflects how fragile the caretaker government is. The reports that Dr Yunus wants to resign as the interim chief executive of the country also reflect how vulnerable the caretaker government has become due to the growing resentment against his failure to hold national elections. Two, Awami League still has a network that is collaborating with India. It's because the decades of the League rule had deepened New Delhi's influence in Bangladeshi bureaucracy, judiciary and civil society. The League-RAW nexus is no secret and India's reaction to the ban on the League is understandable. Economic predicament of Bangladesh and the growing restrictions by New Delhi on trade shipments from Indian ports will have negative fallout on Dhaka. With Bangladesh surrounded by India from three sides and having to grapple with a colossal Indian influence on its media, civil society, bureaucracy and judiciary, the caretaker government of Dr Yunus will be unable to fully protect the sovereignty of Bangladesh. Hundreds and thousands of patients from Bangladesh seek medical treatment in Indian hospitals which may not be possible anymore because of the growing visa restrictions imposed by the Indian missions. China and Pakistan cannot be a substitute to Bangladeshi nationals in the context of medical treatment. And three, the reports of a rift between the Bangladesh army chief and the caretaker chief executive reflect growing schism between the two pillars of power. The army chief is perturbed over the growing influence of Islamists in Bangladesh under the alleged patronage of the caretaker government. While BNP is demanding general elections this year, there are suspicions that the caretaker government wants to prolong its hold on power. In that case, Bangladesh will plunge into another phase of chaos and disorder.
