A murder investigation has been launched against Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, in connection with the police killing of a man during recent civil unrest in Dhaka. The investigation marks the first step in a criminal inquiry under Bangladeshi law, following a court order in the capital.
The case was brought forward by Mamun Mia, a lawyer acting on behalf of a private citizen, after weeks of deadly unrest that left over 400 people dead, many of whom were reportedly shot by police under Hasina’s orders. The violence stemmed from student-led protests against her government, which had destabilized the country.
Among those killed was a local grocer, Abu Saeed, who was shot in the head while crossing the road during a peaceful protest on July 19. Businessman Amir Hamza filed the murder case in July, alleging that police had fired indiscriminately into the crowd of demonstrators.
In addition to Sheikh Hasina, six other high-ranking figures from her previous administration, including former Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, are also under investigation. The court has ordered police to proceed with the case against the accused.
Sheikh Hasina resigned from her position and fled to India earlier this month amid the growing political crisis. The unrest in Dhaka, which saw widespread violence and a heavy-handed police response, has plunged Bangladesh into further turmoil, raising serious concerns about the country’s political stability and human rights record.
