The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, staged sit-in protests across Bangladesh on Thursday, demanding the arrest and trial of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The protests come amidst growing international scrutiny as a United Nations team prepares to investigate the recent unrest that led to Hasina’s resignation.
The BNP’s protests are fueled by their accusations of genocide and crimes against humanity allegedly committed by Hasina’s government during the student-led mass movement against her leadership. The BNP claims over 230 people died in the violence following Hasina’s resignation on August 5, adding to the existing death toll of 560 from the three-week period of unrest.
The protests took place in front of prominent landmarks and institutions, including the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, the Awami League offices, and the Central Shaheed Minar. BNP activists chanted slogans calling for Hasina and her alleged accomplices to be held accountable for the violence.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal has launched an investigation into Hasina and nine others for their alleged role in the violence that took place between July 15th and August 5th. This development has further fueled the BNP’s calls for Hasina’s arrest and trial.
The protests coincided with the 49th anniversary of the assassination of Hasina’s father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, adding a layer of symbolic significance to the event. However, the anniversary was marred by incidents of violence, with individuals reportedly attacking and obstructing people attempting to pay their respects at Mujibur Rahman’s residence.
Bangladesh’s de-facto foreign minister, Mohammad Touhid Hossain, stated that Bangladesh is considering requesting India to extradite Hasina due to mounting legal cases against her, including murder charges. He emphasized that Hasina is facing “numerous cases” and suggested that Bangladesh might need to request her return if the country’s home and law ministries approve the move.
In the wake of Hasina’s resignation, a caretaker government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was formed. The interim government has pledged to implement administrative and political reforms and ensure accountability for those involved in the recent violence. The government’s commitment to addressing the unrest and holding perpetrators accountable will be a crucial test of its ability to restore stability and public trust in the country.
