Archive · 27 Jul 2026
Bangladesh Charges Hasina, 40 Others in 2013 Protest Crackdown
In 2013, there was a big protest in Dhaka, Bangladesh, by a group called Hefazat-e-Islam.
The government, led by Sheikh Hasina, sent police to control the protest.
Many people were killed, and the exact number is disputed.
Now, the government is charging Hasina and 40 others with crimes against humanity for what happened.
Some people say the charges are fair, while others think they are politically motivated.
Hasina is currently living in India and has been sentenced to death in another case.
Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal filed formal charges against Sheikh Hasina and 40 others for crimes against humanity related to a 2013 police crackdown on a protest rally.
The protest by Hefazat-e-Islam turned violent, with protesters burning stalls, buses, shops, and government buildings.
The government acknowledged 11 deaths, while a rights group claimed 58 people were killed.
Nine high-profile accused, including former ministers and journalists, are in jail to face the trial.
Sheikh Hasina, who is living in India, was previously sentenced to death in absentia for her role in taming a student-led protest in 2024.
- Who
- Sheikh Hasina and 40 others, including politicians, security officials, and journalists
- What
- Formal charges filed in a crimes against humanity case related to a police crackdown on a rally in Dhaka in 2013
- When
- May 5, 2013
- Where
- Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Why
- Allegations of killings during a police crackdown on a protest rally by Hefazat-e-Islam
Government's Stance
Human Rights Groups' Stance
Number of Deaths
Government's Stance
The government acknowledged 11 deaths, including five security personnel, blaming violent protesters, stampedes, or attacks by demonstrators.
Human Rights Groups' Stance
A rights group called Odhikar described it as a massacre, claiming 58 people were killed.
Legitimacy of Charges
Government's Stance
The government claims the charges are politically motivated and denies large-scale killings.
Human Rights Groups' Stance
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International called for an independent and impartial investigation, rejecting the government's claims.
- Date of Incident
- May 5, 2013
- Location
- Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Number of Charges Filed
- 41 (Sheikh Hasina and 40 others)
- Current Status of Sheikh Hasina
- Living in India since August 5, 2024
- Number of Accused in Jail
- 9
- Previous Sentence
- Death sentence in November 2023 for a superior role in taming a student-led protest
