Bangladesh’s ousted prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of a grocery store owner during violent protests that led to the fall of her government. This case, filed on Tuesday, marks the first legal action against the 76-year-old politician since she resigned and fled to India last week.
The case was initiated by a supporter of the deceased grocery store owner, Abu Sayed, who was killed on July 19th during a police firing incident in Mohammadpur. The incident occurred during a procession advocating for reforms to the controversial job quota system, which sparked widespread protests across the country.
In addition to Hasina, the murder case also names several other high-ranking officials, including Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun. The case also accuses unnamed high-ranking police and government officials.
The protests, which began in mid-July, have resulted in over 230 deaths, bringing the total death toll to 560 since the unrest began. The violence eventually led to the fall of Hasina’s Awami League-led government on August 5th.
Following the government’s collapse, an interim government was formed under the leadership of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Yunus has announced the portfolios of his 16-member council of advisors as the interim government takes steps towards restoring stability.
Meanwhile, political parties are engaging in discussions with Yunus about the future of elections. Seven parties, including the Awami League’s rival, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), met with Yunus separately and stated that the interim government should focus on creating a conducive environment for holding free and fair elections.
The BNP, in particular, has expressed its full support for the interim government’s activities and has requested the withdrawal of all cases against its leaders, including those against party chairperson Khaleda Zia and acting chairman Tarique Rahman. Zia, who was sentenced to 17 years in prison for corruption in 2018, was released from jail following Hasina’s ouster.
The case against Hasina and the ongoing discussions about future elections highlight the political turmoil that continues to grip Bangladesh following the protests and the fall of the previous government. The interim government faces the challenge of navigating these turbulent waters while working to restore stability and prepare for new elections.
