The International Crimes Tribunal’s investigation agency is finalizing its report on crimes against humanity and genocide allegations against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following the July-August uprising. Two separate reports on these allegations are set to be submitted to the tribunal’s prosecution branch next month.

The decision was made last week in a meeting between the investigation agency and the prosecution under the International Crimes (Tribunal) Act, attended by the chief prosecutor and other officials. The investigation team was instructed to complete its report by the end of this month, though approximately one-third of the work remains.

According to sources, Sheikh Hasina is being indicted in the first phase of prosecution for various offenses committed during her 15-year tenure as head of state. Additionally, she is being accused of directly ordering crimes against humanity and genocide during the 36-day uprising in July-August 2024. The investigation agency is preparing to submit separate reports on these charges to the prosecution soon.

Once submitted, the reports will undergo scrutiny before formal charges are framed. This marks the first time an investigative report related to the July-August uprising is being filed. Sheikh Hasina is currently in India.

Investigators argue that, as Prime Minister from 2009 to 2024, all state actions occurred under her direct orders. Therefore, she is being classified as a "superior commander." However, officials stress the need for a thorough and fair process to prevent legal loopholes that could allow suspects to evade justice.

The reports, covering Sheikh Hasina’s administration from 2009 to August 5, 2024, document crimes including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, abuse of security forces like the police and RAB, and systematic human rights violations. The July-August crackdown on anti-discrimination student protests, which led to mass killings, is also highlighted. Perpetrators are categorized into two groups: those who committed the crimes and those who ordered, incited, or facilitated them.

The investigation incorporates a 127-page UN human rights report published in Geneva on February 12, which documents severe human rights violations in Bangladesh between July 1 and August 5, 2024. Reports from local human rights organizations, such as ‘Odhikar,’ are also included. Evidence suggests the government committed extrajudicial killings, arbitrary shootings, mass arrests, and torture under Sheikh Hasina’s direct orders.

Prior to submission, investigators gathered testimonies from witnesses, victims, and journalists. The case will include 250 to 300 witnesses, including victims, families of those killed, eyewitnesses, media personnel, digital evidence, CCTV footage, and intercepted phone conversations. Several key witnesses have already given statements under Section 164.

The investigation spans over 400 pages, detailing crimes committed nationwide during the uprising. Investigators visited hospitals, clinics, universities, and other sites to collect new evidence. Crimes against the general public, as well as government-commissioned violence, have been documented using newspaper clippings, official reports, and other materials.

Once submitted, the prosecution will review the report before the chief prosecutor formally files charges with the tribunal. If the charges are accepted, the tribunal will issue summonses, and if defendants fail to appear, legal notices will be published. If Sheikh Hasina and other accused individuals remain absent, the trial will proceed in their absence.

Sheikh Hasina fled to India on August 5 amid mass protests. Since then, over 300 cases, including allegations of murder, genocide, and crimes against humanity, have been filed against her across Bangladesh. Cases have also been filed against her ministers, MPs, law enforcement officials, and political allies.

Two months after the fall of the Awami League government, the International Crimes Tribunal was restructured on October 14. On October 17, the first arrest warrant for Sheikh Hasina was issued, with an order for her to appear before the tribunal by November 18. The prosecution was granted three extensions to complete the investigation, with the final submission deadline set for April 18.

Sheikh Hasina and 46 others, including Obaidul Quader and Anisul Huq, face charges related to the July-August genocide and crimes against humanity. One case lists Sheikh Hasina as the sole accused for genocide, while another case implicates 46 individuals.

When asked about the report’s submission, Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam stated that multiple investigations are nearing completion. The agency is working tirelessly, and several reports are expected to be submitted within the month.