A court in Bangladesh has initiated a murder investigation into ousted ex-premier Sheikh Hasina and six other top figures in her administration over the police killing of a man during civil unrest last month. Hasina, 76, fled to neighbouring India as protesters filled the streets of Dhaka in a dramatic conclusion to her time in power.

The case was filed by lawyer Mamun Mia on behalf of a private citizen, naming Hasina, her former home minister, and the general secretary of her party. The Dhaka Metropolitan Court has ordered the police to accept the murder case, marking the start of a criminal investigation under Bangladeshi law.

Among those implicated in the case are four top police officers appointed by Hasina's government who have since left their positions. The court filing also named detective branch chief Harun-or-Rashid and senior Dhaka Metropolitan Police officers Habibur Rahman and Biplob Kumar Sarker.

This development adds a new layer of complexity to the political landscape in Bangladesh, highlighting the challenges and controversies surrounding the recent civil unrest and transition of power.