Bangladesh’s former police chief has pleaded guilty to crimes against humanity in connection with the brutal crackdown on mass protests in 2024, while former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her interior minister have been formally indicted in the same case, prosecutors confirmed Thursday.
Chowdhury Abdullah Mamun, the former Inspector General of Police, admitted to the charges before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) and agreed to serve as a cooperating witness. “He pleaded guilty to crimes against humanity,” said Muhammad Tajul Islam, the ICT’s chief prosecutor. “Mamun will assist the court with all the knowledge he has regarding the crimes committed during the July–August uprising.”
The crackdown, which targeted a student-led uprising against Hasina’s government, resulted in up to 1,400 deaths between July and August 2024, according to United Nations estimates. The tribunal is prosecuting senior figures from the now-banned Awami League party and the ousted administration.
In a significant move, the court rejected a request by defense lawyers to dismiss charges against Hasina and former Interior Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Both were indicted for their alleged roles in orchestrating and failing to prevent the violence.
Sheikh Hasina, 77, fled to India by helicopter following the collapse of her 15-year rule. Despite an outstanding extradition order, she has refused to return to Bangladesh. Her trial in absentia began on June 1. She faces at least five charges, including abetment, incitement, conspiracy, and failure to prevent mass murder.
Prosecutors argue Hasina held “overall command responsibility” for the state-sanctioned violence. She was separately convicted of contempt of court on July 2 and sentenced to six months.
Interior Minister Kamal, also believed to be hiding in India, remains a fugitive. Despite mounting legal challenges, Hasina’s court-appointed lawyer, Amir Hossain, expressed optimism: “The trial is at an initial stage, and there are several other phases.”
The ICT has approved protective custody arrangements for Mamun, citing safety concerns amid his cooperation with the court.
Written By Rodney Mbua
