The International Crimes Tribunal has ordered the investigation against Sheikh Hasina in the genocide case to be completed within a month (by December 17). On Monday (November 18), a three-member tribunal, led by Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, issued the directive. Earlier that day, in connection with a case filed over the genocide incidents in July and August, the tribunal officially recorded the arrests of 13 accused, including 9 former ministers of the deposed Awami League government.

During the tribunal hearing, Chief Prosecutor Advocate Tajul Islam stated that Sheikh Hasina's crimes against humanity began with the Pilkhana massacre. He alleged that she was the mastermind behind all crimes against humanity committed during the Awami League regime, including the blackout genocide at Shapla Chattar targeting Hefazat activists. The 13 accused acted as her accomplices in these crimes.

He further added that over the past 15 years of her regime, there was no crime against humanity that Sheikh Hasina did not commit, with these accused actively aiding her. He also claimed that Hasina attempted to prolong her rule through genocide during the last student-led movement.

Source: RTV