Fresh crimes against humanity charges filed against Hasina over enforced disappearances

Formal charges have been filed at the International Crimes Tribunal in two cases of crimes against humanity tied to the enforced disappearances of opposition figures during the tenure of the Awami League regime.

Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted in the July Uprising, is the main accused in both cases.

Prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim said on Wednesday that the prosecution had submitted two sets of charges to the International Crimes Tribunal-1, bdnews24.com reports.

One case lists Hasina, her former defence advisor, retired major general Tarique Ahmed Siddique, and 17 others in connection with the disappearance and torture of detainees in a secret cell operated by the Rapid Action Battalion’s Task Force Interrogation unit.

Five charges of crimes against humanity have been filed in that case.

In the second case, charges were submitted against Hasina, Tarique, and 13 others over disappearance and torture in the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence’s Joint Interrogation Cell.

Prosecutors said five charges of crimes against humanity were filed there as well.