The hearing on framing charges against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 40 others in the Shapla Chattar massacre case is set to take place today, Wednesday, November 12. During the hearing at the judicial court, the legal representatives of the accused are expected to present their arguments while the prosecution will press for formal charges.
Case Background
The case was filed in connection with the killings at Shapla Chattar in Dhaka during the anti-discrimination student movement. Among the 41 accused are former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed, and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, widely known as Aziz. The investigation into the charges of genocide and crimes against humanity has been completed, and the charge sheet has been submitted to the court.Significance of the Hearing
During today's proceedings, the court will assess the preliminary validity of the allegations against the accused and may formally frame charges. If charges are framed, the case will proceed to the witness examination stage. Legal experts note that crossing this stage signifies a significant advancement in the judicial process.Legal Proceedings
Lawyers representing the accused may file petitions for bail or seek dismissal of the charges. However, in cases involving grave offenses such as genocide, the likelihood of bail being granted before charge framing is generally low. The prosecution is expected to argue in favor of framing charges against all accused individuals.Following today's hearing, the court will set the next date for the proceedings, ensuring the continuity of the trial process. According to sources, the witness examination phase is expected to commence as per the court's directives.
