Sheikh Hasina, Associates to Be Probed on Charges of Crimes Against Humanity, Genocide

New Delhi: The International Crimes Tribunal has begun its investigation into allegations that former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina and eight of her associates have committed crimes against humanity and genocide between July 15 and August 5, Bangladeshi newspaper The Daily Star quoted Ataur Rahman, deputy director of the Tribunal as saying.

The investigation is based on a complaint by Supreme Court lawyer Gazi MH Tanim at the behest of Bulbul Kabit, the father of Alif Ahmed Siam. Siam was a Class IX student who was shot in Savar by police on August 5. The teenager died of his injuries two days later.

Besides Hasina, former ministers Obaidul Quader and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal; former state ministers Zunaid Ahmed Palak and Mohammad Ali Arafat; former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun; former DB chief Harun Or Rashid; former DMP commissioner Habibur Rahman; and former Rab director general Harun Ar Rashid have been named in the complaint.

"We have registered the complaint and thus the investigation of the case has started. Upon completion of the probe, we will submit the report to the Chief Prosecutor's Office of the tribunal for the next procedures," said Ataur Rahman of the Tribunal.

Along with the above-mentioned individuals, the complaint also names Awami League, Jubo League, Chhatra League and other front organisations.

The complaint was filed hours after Bangladesh law adviser, Asif Nazrul, said that the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, will work towards holding trials into killings and harassment during students' protests. He had also said "false and harassment" cases filed against protestors would be withdrawn.

Meanwhile, Indian high commissioner Pranay Verma met with foreign affairs adviser Touhid Hossain on Wednesday, August 14. After the meeting, Verma said, "We are interested to advance our relationship with Bangladesh."

This is the first meeting between India and Bangladesh since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government.

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