Latest news with #Hasina
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First Post
19 minutes ago
- Politics
- First Post
Bangladeshi tribunal to hear charges against ousted PM Hasina; proceedings to be broadcast live on state TV
Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal is set to formally hear charges against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday allowing state run BTV to broadcast live the event, a first such instance in the country's history. read more Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal will officially begin hearing charges against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday, with state-run BTV set to broadcast the proceedings live—a first in the country's history. Hasina, who was removed from office on August 5 last year following widespread student protests, is facing several cases in Bangladeshi courts that have so far prohibited photography and live telecasts of her trial. However, the decision of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) to allow live streaming is set to break the tradition in the case of Hasina, who could face the death penalty on the charges brought against her. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The three-judge tribunal had earlier ordered on February 18 that the investigation against Hasina be completed by April. 'The prosecution will submit formal charges against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina at the ICT-BD tomorrow in a case filed over crimes against humanity committed during the July-August 2024 mass uprising,' the state-run BSS said. Hasina's Awami League regime was ousted in after mass protests led by a platform called Students against Discrimination (SAD) on August 5, 2024; three days later Muhamad Yunus took charge as Chief Adviser of the interim government. ICT-BD prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim told reporters that the tribunal's proceedings would start at 9.30 am local time and that the official Bangladesh Television (BTV) has been asked to broadcast the proceedings live. 'The entire nation will witness the submission of the first formal charges to the tribunal against influential figures of the ousted Awami League government, including Sheikh Hasina,' Gazi said, adding that the move would 'ensure transparency in the judicial process'. ICT-BD's chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam said the tribunal would simultaneously hear charges against former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, both in jail to stand trial. This tribunal was originally formed by the past regime to try hardened collaborators of Pakistani troops during the 1971 Liberation War. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Six top leaders of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and one leader of the former prime minister Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) were hanged to death after they were convicted by the court. The ICT-BD earlier issued an arrest warrant against Hasina while the interim government sought her repatriation from India in a diplomatic note. New Delhi has only acknowledged receipt with no further comment. Most senior leaders and officials of Hasina's party and government were arrested to face charges like mass murders to tame the protestors during the July-August violence when hundreds of people, including students and policemen were killed. According to a UN rights office report some 1,400 people were killed between July 15 and August 15 last year as violence continued even after the fall of the past regime. With inputs from agencies
Hindustan Times
37 minutes ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
In a first, Bangladesh to livestream deposed PM Sheikh Hasina's war crimes hearing tomorrow
Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal is set to formally hear charges against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday, allowing state-run BTV to broadcast live the event, a first such instance in the country's history. Ousted on August 5 last year after a massive student-led agitation, Hasina faces multiple cases in Bangladesh courts that have so far debarred photography or telecast of trial proceedings against her. However, the decision of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) to allow live streaming is set to break the tradition in the case of Hasina, who could face the death penalty on the charges brought against her. The three-judge ICT-BD on February 18 ordered the investigation against Hasina to be completed by April. Also Read | B'desh politics heats up, Yunus on the back foot 'The prosecution will submit formal charges against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina at the ICT-BD tomorrow in a case filed over crimes against humanity committed during the July-August 2024 mass uprising,' the state-run BSS said. Hasina's Awami League regime was ousted after mass protests led by a platform called Students against Discrimination (SAD) on August 5, 2024; three days later, Muhammad Yunus took charge as Chief Adviser of the interim government. ICT-BD prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim told reporters that the tribunal's proceedings would start at 9.30 am local time and that the official Bangladesh Television (BTV) has been asked to broadcast the proceedings live. Also Read | 'Shoot me, bury me here': What happened the night before Sheikh Hasina's ouster 'The entire nation will witness the submission of the first formal charges to the tribunal against influential figures of the ousted Awami League government, including Sheikh Hasina,' Gazi said, adding that the move would 'ensure transparency in the judicial process'. ICT-BD's chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam said the tribunal would simultaneously hear charges against former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, both in jail to stand trial. This tribunal was originally formed by the past regime to try hardened collaborators of Pakistani troops during the 1971 Liberation War. Six top leaders of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and one leader of the former prime minister Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) were hanged to death after they were convicted by the court. Also Read | India asks Bangladesh to hold 'inclusive, free, fair' elections The ICT-BD earlier issued an arrest warrant against Hasina while the interim government sought her repatriation from India in a diplomatic note. New Delhi has only acknowledged receipt with no further comment. Most senior leaders and officials of Hasina's party and government were arrested to face charges like mass murder to tame the protestors during the July-August violence, when hundreds of people, including students and policemen, were killed. According to a UN rights office report, some 1,400 people were killed between July 15 and August 15 last year as violence continued even after the fall of the past regime.
New Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Pakistani terror group JuD claims role in Hasina's ouster from Bangladesh
LAHORE: Some leaders of the banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) of Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed have claimed that their outfit played a role in last year's mass anti-government protests in Bangladesh that led to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The claims by JuD leaders Saifullah Kasuri and Muzammil Hashmi, UN-designated terrorists, came during their fiery speeches earlier this week. "I was four-year-old when Pakistan was dismembered in 1971. The then Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi had declared that she'd drowned the two-nation theory in Khaleej (Bay of Bengal). On May 10, we have taken the revenge of 1971," Kasuri claimed while addressing his supporters in Allahabad, Rahim Yar Khan, some 400 kms from Lahore. The JuD leader was referring to the Liberation War in 1971 in Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) when Pakistan conceded defeat and unconditionally surrendered in Dhaka to the allied forces comprising the freedom fighters and the Indian soldiers. He also admitted that the body of one of his fellows, Mudassar, was cut into pieces in the Indian airstrike on Muridke (JuD/LeT headquarters) on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives on April 22. "I was not allowed to attend his funeral. On the day of his funeral, I cried a lot," Kasuri said but did not tell who stopped him from attending Mudassar's funeral. On the other hand, the top military, police and civilian bureaucracy of Punjab province of Pakistan were among those who attended Mudassar and two other JuD members' funerals in full view of cameras. "I was in my constituency meeting with the people when the Pahalgam incident took place. India made me the mastermind of this attack. India made my city, Kasur, popular in the world," Kasuri said. "We are preparing the next generation for are not afraid of dying," he added. In his speech in Gujranwala, some 80 kms from Lahore, a few days ago, Hashmi, referring to the Indian leadership, claimed, "We defeated you in Bangladesh last year..." He was referring to Hasina's ouster on August 5 following massive anti-government protests led by students. She fled to India, and three days later, Muhammad Yunus took over as the Chief Adviser of the interim government. The ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan saw a quantum jump after Hasina's ouster. "The rhetoric of Jihadi extremists at their public rallies makes it difficult for the rest of the world to believe official assertions that Pakistan is no longer sponsoring or tolerating them," Pakistan's former diplomat Hussain Haqqani said, reacting to the speeches by the JuD leaders.
News18
3 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Hafiz Saeed's Outfit Claims Role In Sheikh Hasina's Ouster From Bangladesh
Last Updated: Some members of the banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) have claimed that their organisation was involved in last year's mass anti-government protests in Bangladesh Some members of the banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), associated with Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed, have claimed that their organisation was involved in last year's mass anti-government protests in Bangladesh, which they say contributed to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The claims by JuD members– Saifullah Kasuri and Muzammil Hashmi, a UN-designated terrorist – came during their fiery speeches earlier this week. 'I was four years old when Pakistan was dismembered in 1971. The then Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi had declared that she'd drowned the two-nation theory in Khaleej (Bay of Bengal). On May 10, l … we have taken the revenge of 1971," Kasuri claimed while addressing his supporters in Allahabad, Rahim Yar Khan, some 400 km from Lahore. The JuD leader was referring to the 1971 Liberation War in Bangladesh (then East Pakistan), during which Pakistan suffered defeat and unconditionally surrendered in Dhaka to the allied forces made up of Bangladeshi freedom fighters and Indian troops. He also acknowledged that the body of one of his associates, Mudassar, was dismembered in the Indian airstrike on Muridke — the headquarters of JuD/LeT — carried out on May 7 in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people on April 22. 'I was not allowed to attend his funeral. On the day of his funeral, I cried a lot," Kasuri said but did not tell who stopped him from attending Mudassar's funeral. On the other hand, the top military, police and civilian bureaucracy of Punjab province of Pakistan were among those who attended Mudassar and two other JuD members' funerals in full view of cameras. In his speech in Gujranwala, some 80 kms from Lahore, a few days ago, Hashmi, referring to the Indian leadership, claimed, 'We defeated you in Bangladesh last year…" He was referring to Hasina's ouster on August 5 following massive anti-government protests led by students. She fled to India, and three days later, Muhammad Yunus took over as the Chief Adviser of the interim government. The ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan saw a quantum jump after Hasina's ouster. 'The rhetoric of Jihadi extremists at their public rallies makes it difficult for the rest of the world to believe official assertions that Pakistan is no longer sponsoring or tolerating them," Pakistan's former diplomat Hussain Haqqani said, reacting to the speeches by the JuD leaders. (With agency inputs) First Published: May 31, 2025, 19:56 IST
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First Post
10 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
Democracy remains a distant dream as Yunus drives Bangladesh deeper into chaos
It is not too late for Bangladesh to reboot its fragile democracy. But if it doesn't act swiftly, the country may well head the way of Pakistan—into deeper chaos and prolonged military rule read more Bangladesh stands at a crossroads as protests against the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government intensify. Image: AP The interim government in Bangladesh, headed by 84-year-old Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is facing its gravest crisis since assuming power on August 8, 2024. Yunus is besieged on all sides—by civil servants, teachers, political parties, and increasingly, the military. Amidst the current political turmoil, a fundamental question looms—one that has haunted Bangladesh since the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975: Will the promised general elections be held soon, restoring the country's fragile democracy, or is Bangladesh on the verge of yet another prolonged period of military dominance—if not outright martial law? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Let's explore the turbulent history of Bangladesh—its legacy of student protests and frequent coups (successful or not), that explains the events that brought Muhammad Yunus to power, examines the ongoing crisis, and offers a glimpse into the uncertain future unfolding in India's neighborhood. The Defining Feature: Student Protests From the Language Movement (Bhasha Andolan) in 1952, to the War of Independence in 1971, to the recent uprising that led to Sheikh Hasina's resignation on August 5, 2024, violent student protests have repeatedly defined Bangladesh's political landscape. The agitation that forced Sheikh Hasina, the country's longest-serving Prime Minister, to resign and flee to India aboard a Bangladesh Air Force C-1301 military transport began in July 2024. Initially centered around the issue of government job quotas for families of freedom fighters (widely seen as benefiting those with connections to Hasina's party), it quickly escalated into a nationwide, broad-based protest with a single-point demand: her resignation. Hasina and her party, the Awami League, blamed the opposition—namely the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami—for orchestrating the movement. Yunus Comes Centre Stage How did an apolitical figure like Muhammad Yunus come to lead Bangladesh? The answer lies with the powerful 'Student Uprising Central Committee', whose demands left the military with no alternative. Committee spokesperson Nahid Islam stated emphatically: 'Any government other than the one we recommended would not be accepted. We won't betray the bloodshed by the martyrs for our cause. We will create a new democratic Bangladesh through our promise of security of life, social justice, and a new political landscape.' Faced with these demands, the military acquiesced. Yunus, in turn, eagerly assumed the role of interim leader. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In Doldrums As of May 2025, Bangladesh stands at a crossroads. The economy is on the brink. Government employees are protesting against a new ordinance that allows dismissals without due process. Teachers are picketing instead of teaching. The political parties, particularly the BNP, are demanding early elections. Meanwhile, the reports suggest a 'cold war' between the military and Yunus. Instability Internally, the Yunus government is rapidly losing control. Externally, the conflict in neighboring Myanmar is spilling over into Bangladesh, exacerbating border instability. The Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar have become targets for recruitment by Burmese armed groups. Cross-border violence and drug smuggling are on the rise, stretching Bangladesh's security apparatus to its limits. Things are as bad as they can get. Promises Made, Promises Unkept When Yunus assumed power with much fanfare nine months ago, he promised sweeping reforms and free, fair elections. Neither has materialised. Instead, he has banned the Awami League, preventing it from participating in future elections. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Whipping Anti-India Sentiments Cornered and increasingly frustrated by his failure to deliver reforms, Yunus resorted to a familiar strategy on May 25: whipping up anti-India sentiment. Through Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of the Nagorik Oikya party, Yunus pushed the narrative that Bangladesh faces a 'major crisis due to Indian hegemony', aiming to distract from his government's incompetence. On the Street Nine months have passed since the Bangladesh Army stepped in to maintain order following the collapse of Sheikh Hasina's government. Their deployment was necessitated by the breakdown of civil law enforcement, including a nationwide police strike that left stations deserted and public order in chaos. But now, military patience is wearing thin. The General Speaks On May 21, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman publicly urged Yunus to hold national elections by December 2025 so a democratically elected government can take office by January 1, 2026. 'The army is meant for defending the nation, not for policing… We must return to barracks after elections,' he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He further warned that prolonged deployment for civil duties threatens national defense preparedness. Meanwhile, Yunus, who holds the title 'Chief Adviser,' continues making controversial decisions—including on foreign policy—drawing open criticism from the military. Restive Generals The military's frustration isn't limited to election delays. General Waker strongly opposes several of the interim government's foreign policy moves. Chief among them is a proposed 'humanitarian corridor,' which Waker derided as a 'blood corridor': 'There will be no corridor. The sovereignty of Bangladesh is not negotiable.' He warned that such moves could entangle Bangladesh in proxy conflicts, stressing that only an elected government can make such decisions. Other controversial issues include the potential foreign management of Chattogram Port and the proposed launch of Elon Musk's Starlink service—both flagged as national security risks by the military. Speculation is rife that Yunus may have attempted to remove Waker, prompting the general's defiant stance. His public focus on constitutional processes and national sovereignty reflects deepening discontent within the military. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If tensions escalate, a military takeover is not unthinkable—Bangladesh has a precedent for it. Political Slugfest Despite growing pressure, Yunus has yet to announce even a tentative election date, continuing to insist: 'reforms first, elections later'. This has infuriated not only the military but also political parties. The BNP has issued an ultimatum: unless elections are held by December, it will withdraw support for the interim government. On May 28, the BNP and its affiliates—Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal—held a massive rally demanding early elections. Speaking via video from London, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman said: 'Excuses are already being made regarding the national elections. Even after 10 months, the interim government has not announced an election date.' But the situation is more complex. While the military and BNP push for elections this year, the National Citizen Party (NCP)—formed by former student leaders—is in no rush. They insist that elections must follow sweeping reforms and the prosecution of former Awami League leaders for last year's crackdown on protests. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What Does Yunus Want? The answer depends on who you ask. Some say Yunus wants General Waker removed. Others believe he aims to prolong his unelected rule—or even ascend to the presidency. Some speculate he plans to quit, though his cabinet suggests otherwise. Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud stated that Yunus, the chief advisor, is not stepping down. Yunus himself said last week, 'We are not going anywhere till our job is done.' His press secretary echoed the sentiment on May 25, saying, 'We are in a war-like situation.' Though, Yunus has himself announced that the elections will be held sometime between December 2025 to June 2026. Conclusion: A Tipping Point As Bangladesh teeters on the edge of anarchy, India must remain watchful. It is not too late for Bangladesh to reboot its fragile democracy. But if it doesn't act swiftly, the country may well head the way of Pakistan—into deeper chaos and prolonged military rule. The author is a multi-disciplinary thought leader with Action Bias and an India based impact consultant. He is a keen watcher of changing national and international scenarios. He works as President Advisory Services of Consulting Company BARSYL. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
