Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Sunday, June 1, 2025, indicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on several charges, including mass murder. The indictment is linked to her alleged role in the violent crackdown on student-led protests that occurred last year, resulting in significant loss of life. The prosecution formally accused Hasina and her associates of attempting to suppress the protests using brutal force.

The proceedings on Sunday marked the official commencement of Sheikh Hasina's trial in absentia. This development takes place nearly ten months after her government was ousted from power following the widespread student agitation. The tribunal simultaneously issued a fresh arrest warrant for Hasina. A similar warrant was issued for Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who served as the home minister during her tenure. The third individual accused, Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, the then inspector general of police, is currently in custody and will face trial in person.

In a landmark move for Bangladesh, the tribunal's proceedings were broadcast live on national television, allowing the public to follow the case directly. Sheikh Hasina, who was removed from office on August 5 of the preceding year after the protests, is facing multiple legal cases within Bangladesh. The ICT-BD had previously issued an arrest warrant for her. Following her ouster, the interim government formally sought her repatriation from India, where she is believed to be residing, through a diplomatic note. New Delhi has only acknowledged the receipt of this note without offering further public comment on the matter.

The aftermath of the protests and the subsequent fall of Hasina's Awami League regime has led to the arrest of numerous senior leaders and officials from her party and government. These individuals are facing charges such as mass murder in connection with their roles during the July-August protests last year. A report from the UN rights office highlighted the severity of the violence, estimating that approximately 1,400 people were killed between July 15 and August 15 of the previous year. The violence reportedly continued even after Hasina's government had fallen.