Sheikh Hasina Hit with Murder Charges Amid Bangladesh Turmoil
Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, is once again embroiled in controversy as a murder case has been filed against her and six others. The charges stem from a violent clash last month that led to the death of a grocery store owner named Abu Said. The case was filed by a well-wisher of the deceased.
According to the Dhaka Tribune, Abu Said was killed on July 19 during a police firing incident in Mohammadpur, where a rally was being held in support of the Quota Reform Movement. Among the other accused are Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and ex-Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun.
The situation has worsened for Hasina after her government was toppled on August 5, following weeks of violent protests that left over 560 people dead across the country. Currently, Hasina is reportedly in a safe house in Ghaziabad.
In the wake of her government’s fall, an interim government has been formed, with 84-year-old Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus being appointed as the Prime Minister. On Monday, seven political parties, including the Awami League’s fierce rival, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), held separate meetings with Yunus. They have expressed that the interim government should take the necessary time to create a conducive environment for free and fair elections.
Author – Harivansh Vashistha