The trial of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on genocide charges is underway, with the possibility of a death sentence. The accusations relate to the killing of thousands during her tenure. Khokan Chandra Barman is the key witness, and his testimony is crucial to the case. Barman provided testimony, beginning the legal process. The charges involve Hasina, her former Home Minister, and the former police IG. Khokan Chandra Barman, a member of the Hindu tribal community, participated in the July movement and was shot near the Jatrabari police station in Dhaka. Despite a serious facial injury, he survived. Following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, the interim government intervened to protect Barman, arranging treatment in Russia. He is now a crucial living witness. Barman, from Dhaka, is associated with Nahid Islam’s party and receives a government pension for his involvement in the July movement. The Bangladesh government funded his medical care and is providing security. In his testimony, Barman described witnessing police shootings and provided a detailed account of the events at the Jatrabari police station. A UN report states that approximately 1400 people were killed during Sheikh Hasina’s government, including 108 children, and over 15,000 were injured. The interim government has yet to confirm these numbers. The prolonged movement ultimately led to Sheikh Hasina’s removal from power on August 5, 2024.
