Article 15 Communication Filed Over Atrocities Targeting Awami League Affiliates

A formal Article 15 Communication has been submitted to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), alleging that the widespread retaliatory violence against Awami League officials and affiliates following the protests and political transition in Bangladesh since July 2024 constitutes crimes against humanity under the ICC’s jurisdiction.

The communication was filed last Thursday by Steven Powles KC of Doughty Street Chambers, London. It urges the Prosecutor to initiate a full investigation into the alleged crimes committed in Bangladesh.

The submission claims that the systematic targeting of Awami League officials and activists associated with the former Sheikh Hasina government—including killings, arbitrary detention, and persecution—amounts to crimes against humanity.

It further argues that there is no realistic prospect of effective national investigations or prosecutions within Bangladesh, resulting in de facto impunity for the perpetrators.

Bangladesh ratified the Rome Statute of the ICC on 23 March 2010, making the Statute effective in the country from 1 June 2010.

The Article 15 Communication presents extensive evidence of atrocities, including:

• Widespread killings: Since July 2024, around 600 Awami League leaders and activists have reportedly been killed, many through mob beatings and lynchings. Witness testimonies and video evidence have been provided.
• Mass detentions: Thousands have been arrested on allegedly fabricated charges, often denied bail or detained without charge. Among those detained are politicians, judges, lawyers, journalists, actors, and singers.

• Deaths in custody: At least 45 Awami League members have reportedly died in custody since July 2024, some officially attributed to “heart attacks,” though bodies showed signs of torture.

   

The communication highlights a February 2025 joint security operation titled “Operation Devil Hunt”, allegedly aimed at “eradicating Awami fascism.” Conducted by police and military forces, the operation reportedly resulted in the arrest of 18,000 people within just 12 days.

The submission expresses serious concern over the “Immunity Order” issued by the interim administration on 14 October 2024, which directed that no legal action be taken against “students and citizens involved in the uprising” between 15 July and 8 August 2024.

It argues that this blanket immunity fosters impunity and signals implicit state endorsement of the violence against Awami League affiliates.

The communication asserts that there is no credible domestic mechanism in Bangladesh to address these crimes. Therefore, the only viable path to justice lies in a full investigation by the ICC Prosecutor.

Steven Powles KC stated:

“Retaliatory crimes committed in the aftermath of political transitions are a pressing global concern. These offences clearly fall within the ICC’s jurisdiction, and their prosecution is essential in the interests of justice.”