Bangladesh's Former PM Sheikh Hasina Faces Fresh Wave of Legal Challenges Amidst Controversies

Nine more complaints have been filed against former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, bringing the total cases to 31. The charges include murder, crimes against humanity, genocide, and abduction. Various high-profile figures and relatives are also implicated. The cases stem from events during her tenure and recent protests, leading to her resignation and exile.

At least nine more complaints were filed Tuesday against Bangladesh's ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her associates, elevating the number of cases against her to 31. The allegations range from murder and crimes against humanity to genocide and abduction.

Supreme Court lawyer Gazi MH Tamim lodged a complaint with Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal on behalf of Mufti Harun Ijahar Chowdhury, joint secretary general (education and law) of Hefajat-e-Islam, The Daily Star reported.

According to the complaint, Hasina and 23 others are accused of crimes against humanity and genocide at a Hefajat-e-Islam rally at Motijheel's Shapla Chattar on May 5, 2013. Authorities have started an investigation, confirmed Ataur Rahman, Deputy Director of the investigation agency.

This marks the fourth complaint at the International Crimes Tribunal against Hasina, who resigned on August 5 amid widespread protests. A portion of the cases relate to recent violence connected to the quota reform movement.

Additionally, eight more cases were filed on Tuesday against the Awami League chairperson, accusing her of killings during the recent protests. Notably, this includes accusations against Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, and sister Sheikh Rehana.

High-profile figures named in the Hefajat-e-Islam case include Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader, former minister Rashed Khan Menon, ex-mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, and several other former officials and journalists.

The allegations pertain to directives and plans that led to the killing of Hefajat activists between May 5 and 6, 2013, in various districts, stated the complaint. Hasina's government had established the International Crimes Tribunal in 2010 to prosecute war crimes from 1971.

BNP's Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called on India to extradite Hasina for prosecution, accusing her of trying to disrupt the nation's revolution.

Multiple other cases have been filed against Hasina and her relatives over several killings linked to recent anti-government protests.

Meanwhile, the interim government, headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, stated it supports freedom of the press amid rising concerns. Over 230 people have died in the ensuing violence since the fall of the Hasina-led administration, bringing the total deaths to over 600 since July.

(With inputs from agencies.)