DHAKA, Bangladesh — On Tuesday, a significant rally took place in Bangladesh’s capital, led by students demanding accountability from former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and others linked to the tragic events resulting in numerous deaths during a widespread uprising against her administration in July.
The gathering, organized by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, commenced at Central Shaheed Minar, a monument of national significance in Dhaka. The attendees voiced strong calls for Hasina to stand trial and sought to have her Awami League party banned.
Following a surge of violence that led to the reported deaths of hundreds and injuries to thousands, Hasina fled to India on August 5. This unrest culminated in the end of her lengthy tenure, which spanned 15 years. She had begun her fourth consecutive term in January, following an election that saw major opposition parties abstain from participating.
Recently, Bangladesh’s government formally requested India to extradite Hasina as she is facing numerous legal challenges related to the loss of lives during the protests, with some allegations including crimes against humanity.
“The Awami League is our only enemy now,” asserted Hasnat Abdullah, the convener of the student organization, while addressing the assembled crowd.
In their demands, the protesters also called on the interim administration, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, to release an official declaration by January 15 that outlines the circumstances surrounding the uprising.
Student leaders are advocating for two primary objectives: the establishment of a new constitution to replace the 1972 charter, initially created under Hasina’s father, and the dissolution of the Awami League party.
The Awami League has held power in Bangladesh since 2009, marking a decade and a half under its leadership.
The International Crimes Tribunal, located in Dhaka, has already issued arrest warrants for Hasina and her close associates, while the government has appealed to Interpol for assistance in pursuing her apprehension.
From the United States, Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed, has cast doubt on the tribunal’s legitimacy and characterized the accusations against his mother as a “political witch hunt.”
Meanwhile, the interim government has expressed its commitment to prosecute Hasina and members of her former administration for their alleged roles in the fatalities during the protests and has sought assistance from the United Nations to probe these killings. In response to the allegations, Hasina has also called for an investigation, suggesting that some deaths could have involved parties outside of security forces.
