Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Denies Crimes Against Humanity Charges

Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has denied allegations of crimes against humanity related to a deadly crackdown during the 2024 protests that led to her ousting. In an email interview, Hasina described her trial in absentia as a "farce" orchestrated by a "kangaroo court" controlled by political opponents. She stated, "I'm not denying that the situation got out of control, nor that many lives were lost needlessly. But I never issued any order to fire on unarmed civilians."

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, with a verdict expected on Monday. UN human rights investigators reported up to 1,400 deaths during the protests, attributing the violence to systematic actions by Hasina's government. Leaked audio, verified by BBC Eye, suggested Hasina authorized the use of "lethal weapons" in July 2024; this audio was presented in court.

Hasina, who fled to India in August 2024, has refused to return for the trial. She and other senior officials face additional charges, including corruption, which they deny. Security has been heightened in Dhaka ahead of the verdict, marking a significant moment for the nation and the families of those killed during the protests.