Shawdesh desk:

The International Crimes Tribunal on Thursday directed the government to prohibit the broadcasting or publishing of hate speech and incitement allegedly made by deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

The directive follows her implication in a crimes-against-humanity case concerning the massacre during the student-led movement in July-August.

The tribunal, chaired by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, along with Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmood and retired district judge Md Mohitul Haq Anam Chowdhury, issued the directive after reviewing a petition filed by chief prosecutor Md Tajul Islam.

The order has been served on the secretaries of the ministries of information and broadcasting, as well as information and communication technology, mandating the removal and restriction of all inflammatory content linked to Sheikh Hasina.

The tribunal took note of recent remarks attributed to Hasina, which went viral on social media.

In these statements, she reportedly urged Awami League leaders to stage rallies carrying images of US president-elect Donald Trump and called on her supporters to retaliate against those who targeted the homes of Awami League members by burning their properties.

The ICT prosecution expressed concern that such provocative rhetoric could hinder the ongoing investigation into allegations of crimes against humanity involving Hasina, her party leaders, and associates.

Additionally, the tribunal emphasised the potential risk these statements pose to witnesses and victims connected to the case.

The case stems from allegations that Hasina and her affiliates orchestrated violence during the July-August movement, leading to widespread deaths and destruction.