Hasina “Her crime surpasses that of every criminal on earth” – JusticeInfo.net

Report on the International Crimes Tribunal Proceedings and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Trial for Crimes Against Humanity and SDG 16

A report on the closing arguments presented to Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in the trial of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. The trial, conducted in their absence, alongside the in-person trial of former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, addresses charges of crimes against humanity. These proceedings are of critical importance to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as they scrutinize the accountability of state institutions and leadership in response to widespread civil unrest.

Prosecution’s Case: A Systematic Violation of Peace and Justice

The prosecution has alleged that the accused orchestrated a “widespread and systematic” attack against a civilian population, actions that directly contravene the core tenets of SDG 16, particularly Target 16.1 to significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates. The chief prosecutor requested the maximum penalty for Sheikh Hasina, identified as the “nucleus and the life-force of the crime,” and for Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.

The prosecution outlined five principal offenses constituting crimes against humanity:

1. Incitement against protesters on July 14, 2024, by depicting them as enemies of the state, undermining social cohesion and contradicting the principles of inclusive societies (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities).
2. The planning and deployment of lethal weapons, drones, and helicopters to suppress protests.
3. The killing of a student at Rangpur University on July 16, an act that violates the sanctity of educational environments (SDG 4: Quality Education).
4. The killing of six men in Chankerpur, Dhaka, on August 5.
5. The killing of another six men in Ashulia on August 5, followed by the burning of their bodies.

Evidence presented, including a United Nations Fact-Finding Report estimating 1,400 fatalities, was used to argue the “widespread” nature of the attacks. The “systematic” character was demonstrated by the coordinated actions of police, ruling party members, and their youth wings. The alleged denial of medical treatment to the injured further represents a failure to uphold SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Key Testimony and Institutional Accountability

A significant component of the prosecution’s case is the testimony of former Inspector General of Police, Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, who pleaded guilty. His testimony provides a direct challenge to the integrity and accountability of state institutions, a cornerstone of SDG 16.6 (Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions).

• Mamun testified that on July 18, 2024, he received a direct order from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, relayed through the Home Minister, to use lethal weapons against protesters.
• He confirmed that this instruction was disseminated nationwide and marked the beginning of the lethal crackdown.
• He admitted that “countless students and members of the public were injured and killed” through the use of drones, helicopters, and lethal weapons by state and political forces.
• He expressed remorse, stating he was “ashamed, remorseful, and apologetic for the excessive use of force.”

Defense Arguments and the Rule of Law

The state-appointed defense lawyer argued for the acquittal of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, challenging the prosecution’s case on several grounds. These arguments center on the interpretation of evidence and the application of the rule of law, as promoted by SDG Target 16.3.

• The defense denied all allegations of conspiracy, planning, or direct orders from the accused that resulted in crimes against humanity.
• The claim of a “widespread” attack was contested, arguing a lack of sufficient witness testimony from across the country.
• Video evidence of shootings was dismissed as “AI generated.”
• The credibility of Mamun’s testimony was questioned, portraying it as a self-serving attempt to shift blame.
• The use of drones was characterized as a tool for surveillance to manage crowds and protect property, not for offensive attacks.

The defense acknowledged that “some incidents may have happened” but maintained they were not the result of instructions from the accused. It was also noted that an investigative commission had been established by Sheikh Hasina to look into the deaths.

Conclusion: The Pursuit of Justice for Sustainable Development

As the trial concludes, with the court set to announce its judgment date on November 13, the proceedings represent a pivotal moment for Bangladesh. The Attorney General emphasized the national importance of the verdict, stating, “If we cannot ensure justice, the people of Bangladesh will remain cowardly and spineless in the ruins of history.” The outcome will profoundly impact the nation’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Ensuring accountability and providing justice for victims are fundamental to reinforcing the rule of law, building trust in public institutions, and advancing towards a peaceful and inclusive society as envisioned by SDG 16.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• The article is centered on the trial for “crimes against humanity” at Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). This directly addresses the goal of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions. The issues of widespread violence against protesters, killings by state forces, and the subsequent legal process to hold high-level officials accountable are core components of SDG 16.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

   • The article extensively discusses violence and death. The prosecution alleges a “widespread and systematic” attack on protesters, leading to a large number of deaths. Specific incidents are cited, such as “the killing of the student Abu Sayeed,” the killing of six men in Chankerpur, and another six in Ashulia. The prosecution points to “as many as 1,400 estimated by a United Nations Fact Finding Report” who were killed, directly highlighting the failure to prevent violence and related deaths.

2. Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

   • The entire article describes the functioning of a national judicial institution, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), which is attempting to apply the rule of law to former high-ranking government officials. The prosecution’s closing statement requesting the “maximum penalty under the law” and the attorney general’s plea to “ensure justice” demonstrate an effort to provide access to justice for the victims of the alleged crimes.

3. Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

   • The article highlights a severe breakdown in institutional accountability. The prosecution alleges a “joint operation by state forces and a political party” and that law enforcement agencies worked with the ruling party to attack civilians. The testimony of the former inspector general of police, who stated he received direct orders from the Prime Minister and Home Minister to “use lethal weapons,” points to a lack of accountability within the government and police. The trial itself is an attempt to enforce accountability for these actions.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicator for Target 16.1 (Reduce violence and death rates):

   • The article provides a direct quantitative measure related to Indicator 16.1.1 (Number of victims of intentional homicide). The text states that a “United Nations Fact Finding Report” estimated that “as many as 1,400” people were killed. This figure serves as a direct indicator of the scale of lethal violence.

2. Indicator for Target 16.3 (Promote the rule of law and access to justice):

   • The existence and proceedings of the trial at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) serve as a qualitative indicator. The prosecution of the former Prime Minister, Home Minister, and inspector general of police for “crimes against humanity” is a tangible measure of the state’s effort to ensure that no one is above the law and to provide a mechanism for justice. The guilty plea and testimony of a high-ranking official is a further indicator of the judicial process functioning.

3. Indicator for Target 16.6 (Develop effective, accountable institutions):

   • The testimony of former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun acts as an indicator of institutional failure and the subsequent attempt at accountability. His admission that he received and relayed an “instruction” from the prime minister for the “direct use of lethal weapons to suppress the movement” is a clear data point showing how state institutions were allegedly used to commit violence against civilians. The trial is the mechanism being used to address this lack of accountability.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: justiceinfo.net