Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has been the subject of a murder investigation in the wake of recent violent unrest

A murder investigation has been initiated against Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister in connection with the police shootings that occurred during the recent fatal unrest in Dhaka.

A Dhaka court accepted the case, which was brought forward by counsel Mamun Mia on behalf of a private citizen. The court then directed the police to continue the investigation. This represents the initial phase of a criminal investigation in accordance with Bangladeshi law. Abu Saeed, a local grocer, was fatally shot in the head by police while crossing the road during a protest on July 19. This served as the catalyst for the investigation.

The case was filed by businessman Amir Hamza, who is not related to the victim. Hamza cited the financial incapacity of Saeed’s family to pursue legal action. “I am the first ordinary citizen to demonstrate the courage to pursue legal action against Sheikh Hasina for her crimes.” Hamza declared, “I will conclude the case.”

The unrest, which resulted in the deaths of over 400 individuals, including numerous students, commenced in early July as peaceful demonstrations against the civil service job quota system. Nevertheless, the protests rapidly expanded into a more extensive movement that sought to overthrow Hasina’s government, which had been in power for 15 years and was accused of pervasive corruption and human rights violations.

Sheikh Hasina, who resigned and fled to New Delhi, India, earlier this month in response to the escalating crisis, had directed the police to suppress the demonstrations, characterizing the demonstrators as “terrorists” who were attempting to destabilize the nation. Obaidul Quader, the former Minister of Transport and Bridges, is one of the individuals under investigation in connection with the violence.

Many of the former dissidents are now members of the new government, which is led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus. The new government has taken a firm posture against the actions of the previous administration. Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Sheikh Hasina’s son, has stated that his mother will return to Bangladesh upon the announcement of the elections.

The former leader of Bangladesh is currently under scrutiny for her involvement in the fatal crackdown that rocked the nation, marking a significant moment in the country’s political landscape.