A court in Bangladesh has launched a murder investigation into ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and six high-ranking officials from her previous government, following the killing of a man during civil unrest last month.
The court in Dhaka ordered the police to formally accept the murder case, marking the initial step in a criminal investigation under Bangladeshi law. The case was brought forward by lawyer Mamun Mia on behalf of a private citizen, and it implicates several prominent figures from Hasina’s administration.
Among the accused are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and Obaidul Quader, the general secretary of Hasina’s Awami League party. Additionally, four senior police officers who served under Hasina’s government and have since vacated their positions are also named in the case.
The accusations stem from the death of a grocery store owner who was allegedly shot by police on July 19, during a violent crackdown on protests. The unrest, which ultimately led to Hasina’s ousting, saw widespread demonstrations and clashes between protesters and security forces. Over 450 people were killed in the turmoil leading up to Hasina’s resignation.
