In A First, Bangladesh Tribunal To Broadcast Proceedings Against Sheikh Hasina Live On TV

Last Updated:May 31, 2025, 21:44 IST

Formal charges against former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina will be filed in the International Crimes Tribunal on Sunday, regarding her alleged role in enforced disappearances.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (Image: Reuters)

For the first time in Bangladesh’s history, the country’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has decided that all proceedings against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be broadcast live on television.

The ICT has issued multiple arrest warrants against the deposed Prime Minister and other members of her Awami League, including ex-military generals and a former police chief, for their alleged role in forced disappearances.

Formal charges against Hasina will be filed in the tribunal tomorrow (June 1), according to chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Tajul Islam. “We are determined to move forward with the judicial process," Islam was quoted as saying by Prothom Alo.

ICT prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim confirmed the live broadcast of the tribunal proceedings. He said that, subject to the tribunal’s permission, the court proceedings will be broadcast live on Bangladesh Television (BTV) at 9:30 am (local time) on Sunday.

‘Nucleus Of Enforced Disappearances’

Speaking to reporters, Islam referred to Sheikh Hasina as the “nucleus of enforced disappearances" and the “Ayna Ghar" (secret detention centre), adding that the judicial process against the deposed PM is moving ahead at full speed, but completion of the investigation will take some time.

The Chief Prosecutor said the ICT has broadly identified the structure of the crimes and those responsible, while it is working to ensure the arrests of those involved in the disappearances.

The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has intensified its crackdown against Hasina, who was ousted after student-led protests in August 2024 snowballed into a full-fledged anti-government agitation. Hasina’s Awami League party has been banned, while several of its leaders have been imprisoned.

Earlier this month, the ICT had issued a show-cause notice to Sheikh Hasina and her aide in a contempt of court case. The tribunal alleged that Hasina had interfered in the judicial process and issued threats to the tribunal.

Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...Read More

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...

Read More

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Dhaka, Bangladesh

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