A group of British lawyers has filed a serious case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
They accuse her of committing crimes against humanity and genocide during a violent crackdown on peaceful student protests in Bangladesh.
The case was filed by barrister Mohammad Ashraful Arefin and two other lawyers, Sarah Foer and Emil Liksandru.
They say that this case is based on events from July 2024, when students began a movement called the "Anti-Discrimination Student Movement."
This movement aimed to fight against unfair treatment and discrimination in the country.
According to the lawyers, when these students peacefully protested, the government responded with brutal violence.
They claim that police and special forces used excessive force, including live ammunition and rubber bullets, against the protesters.
More than 1,400 people reportedly lost their lives, and thousands more were injured, with many suffering permanent disabilities.
The lawyers are concerned that Bangladesh’s justice system may not be able to investigate these serious claims fairly.
They worry that Sheikh Hasina may receive political support from India, which could affect any local court decisions.
The lawyers want an independent investigation into the claims against her.
They mention serious issues like planned killings, torture in secret prisons, and restrictions on free speech and movement.
They believe these actions could be seen as acts of genocide.
The lawyers have gathered a lot of evidence to support their claims.
This includes witness statements, video evidence, and other reliable information showing the violence and human rights abuses that took place.
They are also asking for an arrest warrant for Sheikh Hasina to ensure a thorough investigation.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about human rights in Bangladesh.
The lawyers hope that by bringing this issue to international attention, they can help improve the situation in the country.
