The judicial proceedings for the July-August Massacre are set to begin today at 10:30 AM in a special tribunal. This tribunal, which previously handled trials for crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War, will now preside over the prosecution of those responsible for the brutal crackdown during the 2024 mass uprising. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her associates have been named as the primary accused in this case.
Although the main tribunal building is still undergoing renovations, the trial will take place in a temporary tin-roofed courtroom. So far, the investigation team and prosecution have submitted 56 formal charges, with work currently underway to frame the charges. There are provisions for the accused to hire defense attorneys from abroad to represent them during the trial.
The newly appointed prosecution team is hopeful that they can conduct the trial swiftly and fairly, ensuring that the process is free from controversy. However, concerns remain regarding witness protection, victim compensation laws, and amendments that may grant the tribunal the authority to sentence political parties. It is yet to be determined how these measures will align with international standards, which will become clearer once the relevant ordinances are issued.
Legal experts point out that the atrocities committed during the 2024 uprising bear striking similarities to the crimes outlined in Article 26, Section 3 of the International Crimes Act of 1973. This jurisdiction will guide the tribunal as it seeks justice for the victims of the crackdown.