The International Crimes Tribunal has started an investigation against 10 people, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, on charges of crimes against humanity, including murder, genocide and torture, that took place from July 15 to August 5 during the quota reform movement in government jobs and the subsequent movement to topple the government.
The complainant's lawyer Gazi MH Tamim confirmed the information on Thursday.
He said the investigation agency started the investigation on Wednesday night.
On Wednesday, a petition was filed in the International Criminal Tribunal requesting an investigation into allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Awami League general secretary and former road transport and bridges minister Obaidul Quader, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and several other prominent figures within the Awami League.
The party itself, along with its affiliated organizations, is also named in the petition.
The petition was submitted by Bulbul Kabir, the father of Arif Ahmed Siam, a Class IX student who was killed during the anti-discrimination student movement.
Kabir’s application accuses Hasina and others of orchestrating a violent crackdown on student protestors, resulting in widespread casualties and human rights violations.