Bangladesh war crimes court begins investigation into Sheikh Hasina | News

The Bangladesh War Crimes Tribunal, set up by former Prime Minister A.To Sheikh Hasina 3 investigations linked to her “mass murder”; against the backdrop of the unrest that forced her to flee the country, an investigator said on Monday.

More than 450 people were killed, many by police fire, during a month of student-led protests against Hasina's 15-year rule, before she resigned and fled to India on August 5.

“We are collecting preliminary evidence at this stage,” said Atur Rahman, deputy director of the court's investigation cell, adding that the cases were related to “mass killings.” “After that, we will go to the crime scenes,” he added.

The three cases, in which several of Hasina's former top aides were named, were filed by individuals in their private capacity, he said.

The cases are linked to violence in the suburbs or in areas close to the capital Dhaka in Mirpur, Munshiganj and Savar.

Local police units across the country have also filed at least 15 cases against Hasina, according to local media reports, some of which are related to cases that predate the recent unrest, and include charges of murder and “crimes against humanity.”

Hasina set up the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh in 2010 to investigate atrocities committed during the country's liberation war against Pakistan. During her reign, this court sentenced more than 100 people to death, including a number of her political opponents.

Rights groups have long criticized the court for failing to comply with international agreements.

Hasina's government has been accused of widespread human rights abuses, including the extrajudicial killing of thousands of her political opponents.

The United Nations reported on Friday strong indications that Bangladeshi security forces used excessive force in dealing with the student-led uprising.

A preliminary report by the UN Human Rights Office spoke of “strong indications that warrant further independent investigations” and concluded that “security forces used unnecessary and disproportionate force in their response to the situation”.

“The alleged violations included extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, detention, enforced disappearances, torture and ill-treatment,” he added.

For his part, the head of the transitional government, Mohamed Yunis, confirmed that his government “will provide any support” needed by the UN investigators.