Months after the ouster of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the United Nations has stated that the former Awami League government's crackdown in the country may have been possible "crimes against humanity."
In a report published by the UN Rights Office, the agency believes it has "reasonable grounds to believe that the crimes against humanity of murder, torture, imprisonment and infliction of other inhumane acts have taken place."
The report was based on the findings of the UN Rights Office on the events that occurred in Bangladesh between July 1 to August 15, 2024.
The report adds that the alleged crimes committed by the government, the ruling Awami League party, Bangladeshi security and intelligence services were part of a "widespread and systematic attack against protesters and other civilians... in furtherance of the former government's (bid) to ensure its continuation in power."
Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power in August 2024. Before the toppling of the government, the Awami League-led government oversaw a systematic crackdown on protestors and students, which included "hundreds of extrajudicial killings".
After her ouster, Hasina fled to India and has been in New Delhi since August 2024. The former PM has been accused of committing crimes against humanity and has already defied an arrest warrant for a trial in Bangladesh.
