Hasina joined Hitler, Mussolini in authoritarian rulers' list: Chief Prosecutor Tajul at Abu Sayed trial opening
Deposition in the case is scheduled to begin tomorrow
Deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina is the latest addition to the list of infamous fascist rulers such as Adolf Hitler, Mussolini, Francisco Franco, Pinochet, and Marcos, said International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam today.
"Many fascist and authoritarian leaders have faced justice. Sheikh Hasina is now the latest to join that list. Today, we seek justice against her accomplices," he said during his opening statement, marking the start of the trial in a crimes against humanity case involving the killing of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayed during the July uprising in Rangpur.
The chief prosecutor detailed how, over the past 17 years, a culture of killings, enforced disappearances, and political repression was systematically entrenched in Bangladesh through manipulated blueprint, nighttime, and sham elections – all tactics to cling to power. "It was through these means that Sheikh Hasina emerged as an authoritarian ruler."
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The opening statement was delivered at the International Crimes Tribunal-2, a three-member panel led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury. With this, the formal trial has officially begun, and testimony in the case is set to start tomorrow.
Reflecting on the July 2024 uprising, Tajul described martyr Abu Sayed as a shining beacon of courage. "Standing firm in the face of police gunfire, with arms outstretched and chest exposed, he seemed to declare, 'The killing of people must stop.'"
Addressing the tribunal, Tajul emphasised his duty: "My responsibility is to present credible information, evidence, and clear accounts of the horrific crimes committed against the victims. Justice is essential for the people of Bangladesh, for democracy, and to ensure a livable future for coming generations. We need justice that will end the politics of murder in our society."
He added, "We remember nearly 2,000 people who sacrificed their lives during the July uprising. The prosecution will present evidence regarding the killings and injuries that will be as clear, transparent, and irrefutable as daylight – on which basis this tribunal can deliver a just verdict."
Abu Sayed was shot and killed by police in front of his university campus in Rangpur on 16 July last year during protests demanding quota reforms.
