Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, is facing trial for alleged genocide, with the possibility of the death penalty hanging over her. The accusations stem from the killing of thousands during her premiership. Khokan Chandra Barman, the first witness, is pivotal to the case; his testimony could determine Hasina’s fate. Barman testified in court, initiating the legal proceedings. The charges include Hasina, her then-Home Minister, and the Inspector General of Police. Khokan Chandra Barman, a member of the Hindu tribal community, was a participant in the July movement. He was shot near the Jatrabari police station in Dhaka, suffering severe facial injuries. Despite the severity of the injury, he survived. Following the coup against Hasina, the interim government intervened to protect Barman, arranging for his treatment in Russia. He is now a key living witness to the events. Barman, a Dhaka resident, is affiliated with Nahid Islam’s party and receives a government pension for his involvement in the July movement. The Bangladesh government covered his medical expenses and provides him with security. During his testimony, Barman described the police shootings he witnessed. He provided a detailed account of the deaths near the Jatrabari police station. A United Nations report indicates that Hasina’s government was responsible for approximately 1400 deaths, including 108 children, and over 15,000 injuries. The interim government has yet to confirm these figures. The long-standing protests led to Sheikh Hasina’s removal from power on August 5, 2024.
Sheikh Hasina Faces Death Penalty: Key Witness Khokan Chandra Barman’s Testimony in Genocide Trial
