Bangladesh: Dr Yunus Administration to be referred to the ICC for Crimes Against Humanity

Steven Powles KC and lawyers from Doughty Street Chambers have been engaged to prepare a communication to the International Criminal Court (“ICC”) under Article 15 of the ICC Statute. Article 15 allows victims of alleged crimes within the jurisdiction of the ICC to draw such crimes to the attention of the ICC Prosecutor and seek an investigation. 

Since Dr Yunus took power in Bangladesh on 8 August 2024 there have been numerous unprovoked and violent attacks against journalists, police officers, minorities and those connected with the former Government party, the Awami League. There are allegations of (i) killings, (ii) arbitrary imprisonment on false criminal charges, particularly of journalists, (iii) unchecked mob violence, and (iv) incitement of religious violence, such as attacks on Bangladeshi Hindus and the destruction of Hindu temples. No steps have been taken in Bangladesh to hold the perpetrators of these allegations to account. 

The Article 15 communication will be based on evidence gathered from victims and witnesses of these atrocities in Bangladesh. The widespread and systematic nature of these attacks suggests that they were planned at the highest level and amount to Crimes Against Humanity of murder, persecution, and imprisonment or severe deprivation of liberty under Article 7 of the ICC Statute.

Steven Powles KC said: “No one is above the law, and if the victims of crimes within the jurisdiction of the ICC cannot get justice in their own country it is important to bring these crimes to the attention of the ICC so that there can be a vigorous and impartial investigation.”

Shahin Alam’s younger brother (Shamim Molla) was abducted and killed by followers of Dr Yunus after he took power. Mr Alam said: “My brother was mercilessly killed in a senseless attack. In recent months Bangladesh has descended into a state of lawlessness. Known terrorists have been released from jail, and members of fundamentalist groups have been placed in positions of power. I am determined to get justice for my brother and ensure those responsible are held to account.”