Tribunal begins hearing cases against Hasina

Dhaka: The Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Sunday started trial in cases of "crimes against humanity" against former PM Sheikh Hasina, with the attorney general calling for maximum punishment for the Awami League leader who is being tried in absentia.

Hasina is being tried along with former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former police IG Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun in the cases, which include killings, murder and torture during the "July mass uprising" that led to her ouster in Aug last year. "We have taken an oath on the blood of Mugdho and Abu Sayeed (both student leaders)," attorney general Md Asaduzzaman said in the ICT before the submission of opening statement in the cases against the three accused. "People want justice - justice through the legal framework-for the crimes committed," he said. Mugdho was allegedly killed by security forces in Dhaka and Sayeed in Rangpur during the uprising.

He said Hasina - who fled to India following her govt's fall in Aug last year - could be likened to the head of an "association of autocrats".

"If Goebbels wanted to study lies or complete a PhD in falsehood, Hasina could have been his teacher," he said, referring to Nazi party chief propagandist Paul Joseph Goebbels. Describing the tribunal session as a historic moment, he said, "We are here today for justice. We seek the highest punishment under the law."

ICT's chief prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam claimed in his opening statement that Hasina was the central figure in the alleged crimes against humanity during the "July mass uprising". "As PM, leader of the Awami League, and head of the ruling 14-party alliance, she held absolute power," Tajul said. "All major decisions were taken by her. She was the nucleus of the crimes committed during that period." Tajul argued that the crimes were aimed solely at preserving Hasina's grip on power. "The other accused were fully aware that their own survival and rewards were contingent on Hasina remaining in control," he said.