Dhaka, Dec 23 (NationPress) The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh has officially brought charges against 17 individuals, including the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a case concerning crimes against humanity tied to claims of enforced disappearances during the tenure of the Awami League government, as reported by local media.

The tribunal, consisting of three members, issued the charges after outlining four specific allegations against the defendants, which also include Hasina's former defense and security advisor, Major General Tarique Ahmed Siddique, along with 11 army officials.

During the session, 10 former officers of the Rapid Action Battalion were presented before the tribunal.

Prior to the charges being formally framed, the tribunal inquired if the officers wished to plead guilty.

All 10 denied the accusations, with one expressing hope for justice through the tribunal.

The tribunal has scheduled January 21 for the commencement of opening statements, as reported by The Daily Star.

This recent event follows a judgment delivered by the ICT on November 17, which resulted in a death sentence for Hasina, who was found guilty of crimes against humanity related to protests that occurred in July of the previous year.

In addition, two of Hasina's prominent aides were convicted, with former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal receiving a death sentence, while former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who testified for the state, was sentenced to five years in prison.

After the controversial verdict in November, Hasina claimed that the ruling from the tribunal was orchestrated by a “rigged tribunal” under the leadership of the unelected interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, asserting it lacked democratic legitimacy. The former PM described the decision as biased and politically charged.

In her statement, Hasina remarked, “In their distasteful call for the death penalty, they reveal the brazen and murderous intent of extremist figures within the interim government to remove Bangladesh’s last elected Prime Minister, and to nullify the Awami League as a political force. Millions of Bangladeshis toiling under the chaotic, violent and socially regressive administration of Dr. Mohammad Yunus will not be fooled by this attempt to short-change them of their democratic rights.”

The ICT has faced significant backlash from the international community, with critics highlighting a lack of due process in the trials against Hasina and accusing the Yunus-led interim government of politicizing the judiciary.