Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for an investigation into the protests that led to her ouster, marking her first public statement since her sudden resignation and departure from the country last week. In a written statement released through her son, Hasina, 76, demanded accountability for the violence that occurred during the unrest, which claimed over 450 lives.
Meanwhile, a Bangladesh court has opened a murder investigation against Hasina and six top officials from her administration. The case relates to the police killing of a grocery store owner during the July 19 protests. The court has ordered the police to accept the murder charges, the first step in a criminal investigation. The case was brought forward by Mamun Mia, a lawyer representing a private citizen.
Hasina, who fled to India, was accused of widespread human rights abuses during her tenure. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has since returned to Bangladesh to lead a caretaker government aimed at restoring democracy. The new administration, led by Yunus, has vowed to protect human rights and ensure stability, particularly in the country’s vital garment industry, which has been affected by the political turmoil.
