Bangladesh's Former PM Sheikh Hasina Charged with 'Crimes Against Humanity' Over 2013 Protest Crackdown

Fresh charges have been filed against Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 40 people in a special court (ICT) in the country. The case dates back to May 2013, when an organization named'Hefazat-e-Islam'held a rally in Dhaka. Several people were killed in police action at the time. Sheikh Hasina has been charged with'crimes against humanity'over this police action and deaths. Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam told reporters that the tribunal has taken cognizance of the charges against Sheikh Hasina in the case of deaths during a protest rally of Hefazat-e-Islam at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel. The court has issued arrest warrants against the fugitive accused. These fugitives include the then army chief, several politicians and security officials. According to the prosecution, nine high-profile accused, including former ministers, senior police officers and journalists, are already in jail. Sheikh Hasina was booked for'crimes against humanity'over this police action and deaths. On May 5, 2013, the radical Islamist organization Hefazat-e-Islam held a rally in Dhaka.