Thousands of protesters, led by student activists, gathered in the capital of Bangladesh on Tuesday, demanding the prosecution of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and accountability for the government’s actions during a violent uprising in July that resulted in the deaths of hundreds. The demonstration, dubbed the March for Unity, was organized by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and took place at the Central Shaheed Minar, a national monument in Dhaka that commemorates the country’s fight for language rights.

During the rally, protesters chanted slogans calling for Hasina’s trial and the banning of her Awami League party. The ousted leader fled to India on August 5, following weeks of unrest, where security forces have been accused of excessive force. “Since August 5, we have no more enemies in Bangladesh. Our only enemy is the Awami League,” stated Hasnat Abdullah, the movement's convener, as reported by India Times.

Recently, the Bangladesh government formally requested India to extradite Hasina. She faces numerous allegations, including charges of crimes against humanity in connection to the deaths of protesters. The note verbale, a formal diplomatic communication, was sent to India amid rising tension following the uprising, which ended her rule after a 15-year tenure. Bangladesh’s foreign adviser, Touhid Hossain, confirmed that they are seeking Hasina’s return for judicial processes regarding her alleged crimes in office.

The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has committed to prosecuting those responsible for the violence. Yunus has also reached out for international cooperation in investigating the allegations. Meanwhile, Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed, has labeled the charges as politically motivated, referring to them as a “political witch-hunt” aimed at discrediting his mother’s legacy in an interview from the United States.

Protesters have urged the interim government to issue a proclamation by January 15 detailing the events of the uprising and have also requested a complete overhaul of the current constitution established under Hasina’s father. The International Crimes Tribunal has already issued arrest warrants for Hasina and her close aides, with the government seeking assistance from Interpol in her apprehension.

Calls for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths have been echoed by both the protest leaders and Hasina herself, as accusations fly regarding the involvement of various parties beyond the security agencies during the uprising.