BNP Demands Arrest of Sheikh Hasina in Nationwide Protests

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) held nationwide sit-in protests demanding the arrest and trial of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The protests follow her government's ousting on August 5 amid accusations of genocide and crimes against humanity. Over 560 people have died in related violence since July 15.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) staged sit-in demonstrations across the country on Thursday, demanding the arrest and trial of ousted leader Sheikh Hasina and her associates over recent violence.

Hasina stepped down on August 5 amid large-scale protests, and an interim administration led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus was installed on August 8 to manage the government. BNP activists congregated at key locations in Dhaka, including the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, Awami League party offices, and the Central Shaheed Minar, pressing for justice.

The recent unrest, escalating after Hasina's departure, has resulted in over 560 casualties, with 230 deaths reported following the government's downfall. The interim government has initiated an inquiry into Hasina and nine others for alleged genocide and crimes against humanity during protests from July 15 to August 5.

Led by BNP Dhaka City South Convenor Rafiqul Islam Majnu, thousands of BNP activists rallied in Dhaka, demanding Hasina's arrest. The demonstrations coincided with the 49th anniversary of the assassination of Hasina's father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Eyewitnesses reported incidents of violence near Mujibur Rahman's Dhanmondi-32 residence, where five individuals were beaten.

(With inputs from agencies.)