Bangladesh Tribunal issues show-cause notice to Hasina

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh on Thursday issued a show-cause notice to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Shakil Alam Bulbul, a leader of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) – the banned student wing of Awami League – in an alleged contempt of court case. Local media reported that ICT Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim has instructed both individuals to respond to the show cause notice by May 15.
The tribunal, headed by its chairman, Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, passed the order on the content of a viral audio clip leaked on social media that featured the former prime minister, through which she allegedly interfered in the judicial process and issued threats to the tribunal. The ICT prosecutor said the investigation agency conducted forensic tests and confirmed that the voice belongs to Sheikh Hasina.The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government has issued several arrest warrants against the former PM, her family members, and the Awami League supporters after coming to power in August last year.
Separately, the ICT issued arrest warrants on Thursday for eight individuals accused of crimes against humanity during the July 2024 mass uprising in Narayanganj.ICT Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam said the accused were involved in brutal attacks on civilians amid widespread protests in the region. Bangladesh Court, on Tuesday, ordered the confiscation of an apartment owned by Hasina's daughter Saima Wazed Hasina.Besides, the court also granted a request to appoint a receiver to manage the Saima's property located in Dhaka's Gulshan area.