A UK-based lawyer has filed a complaint against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her cabinet and relevant state actors at the Hague-based International Criminal Court, accusing them of crimes against humanity.

Lawyer MD Asraful Arafin of London-based 3 Bolt Court Chambers opened the case on October 28, seeking an independent investigation into the alleged atrocities, including targeted extrajudicial killings and systematic torture in secret detention centres.

According to the press release sent by the lawyer today, the accusations include the Hasina regime’s serious restrictions on freedom of movement and expression through curfews and internet blackouts, and coordinated attacks that constitute crimes against humanity under Article 15 of the Rome Statute.

The complainant also requested the ICC to issue arrest warrants for key suspects in order to prevent further impunity.

According to the press release, Bangladesh witnessed a shocking tragedy in July and August 2024. The unprecedented student movement against quotas in public jobs has evolved into a broader demand for change.

But peaceful protests soon faced brutal repression. The then Bangladesh government reportedly responded with excessive and lethal force and deployed Bangladesh Police, Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) and Chhatra Corps to suppress dissent.

“These forces indiscriminately used lethal weapons such as firearms, rubber bullets, stun grenades and birdshot pellets and live ammunition,” the statement said.

3 Bolt Court Chamber reported that as of August 2024, more than 1,400 civilians had been killed and 22,000 injured. In addition to mass casualties, at least 92 people were blinded by gunfire and hundreds suffered life-changing injuries.

To avoid international scrutiny, the then-government implemented a nationwide internet blackout and restricted all communications, hampering efforts to document the violence, the report said.

“These systematic extrajudicial killings, disappearances and acts of torture, including rights violations in secret detention centers such as Aynaghar, constitute crimes against humanity under international law and reflect a calculated effort to eliminate political dissent and silence.”

dissident.”

Asraful Arafin stated that there are considerable doubts about the ability of Bangladesh’s judicial system to conduct an impartial investigation into these serious crimes, citing the appointment of a large number of law enforcement and government officials during the Hasina administration, raising concerns about the impartiality of any investigation. .

Additionally, the current interim government is expected to remain in place until the next parliamentary elections in Bangladesh; After this election, a new political government may come to power, potentially leading to the compromise of justice in the name of political interests.

“Furthermore, due to Sheikh Hasina’s current residence in India and her political ties there, the enforcement of any local conviction remains uncertain.

“However, an international arrest warrant could put pressure on India to cooperate with the global community,” the press release said. The statement was included.