A murder investigation has been launched against Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, concerning the police killing of a man during recent civil unrest.
Six other high-ranking officials from the previous government are also under investigation following weeks of deadly unrest in Dhaka, the capital.
Mamun Mia, a lawyer representing a private citizen, stated that a Dhaka court has directed the police to accept the murder case against the accused individuals.
This directive marks the initial step in a criminal investigation under Bangladeshi law.
Ms. Hasina resigned and fled to neighboring India earlier this month as demands for her to step down intensified.
Over 400 people were killed during weeks of student protests that culminated in calls for Ms. Hasina’s resignation, with many reportedly shot by police under her orders.
Businessman Amir Hamza filed the murder case in July after a local grocer, Abu Saeed, was shot in the head while crossing the road.
Mr. Hamza informed the court that on July 19, students were holding a peaceful protest when police allegedly fired indiscriminately on the crowd, as reported by BBC Bangla.
He stated that he was not related to Mr. Saeed but took the case to court because the grocer’s family lacked the financial means to do so.
“I am the first ordinary citizen who showed the courage to take this legal step against Sheikh Hasina for her crimes. I will see the case to an end,” he told Reuters news agency.
Magistrate Rajesh Chowdhury has ordered the police to investigate the case, marking the first legal action against Ms. Hasina since the protests began.
Among those being investigated is the former Transport and Bridges Minister, Obaidul Quader.
Ms. Hasina’s government, which ruled for 15 years, faced accusations of widespread human rights violations and rampant corruption.
The student protests began in early July, initially demanding the removal of civil service job quotas. These peaceful protests evolved into a broader movement that ultimately led to the government’s downfall.
Ms. Hasina instructed the police to crack down on the protestors, labeling them as “not students but terrorists who are out to destabilize the nation.”
The newly formed government, led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, includes many former protestors.
Ms. Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, has stated that she will return to the country once elections are declared.