The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Thursday (Oct 17) issued an arrest warrant against Bangladesh’s former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country back in August. The warrant has reportedly been issued over the mass killings during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, a student revolution that happened in Bangladesh in July and August after the commencement of the judicial proceedings.
A ‘remarkable day’
Speaking to reporters, Mohammad Tajul Islam, chief prosecutor of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal announced: “The court has… ordered the arrest of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, and to produce her in court on November 18.”
Calling it a “remarkable day,” he said, “Sheikh Hasina was at the helm of those who committed massacres, killings, and crimes against humanity in July to August.”
Tribunal proceedings, as per reports, began Thursday around 11:30 am. They were led by the bench of Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar, chairman of the International Crimes Tribunal.
According to the Dhaka Tribune, on the first day of the proceedings, the prosecution team of the tribunal requested arrest warrants for 50 individuals, including Hasina.
So far, as per the report, over 60 complaints of enforced disappearance, murder, and mass killings have been filed at the ICT against the former Bangladeshi PM and other leaders of her Awami League party and the 14-party alliance—including journalists and former top officials of law enforcement agencies.
Where is Hasina? Will she be extradited to Bangladesh?
The 77-year-old leader fled Bangladesh as the revolution heated up, and her last official whereabouts, as per AFP, were at a military airbase near India’s capital, New Delhi. Her presence in neighbouring India has infuriated Bangladesh, which has revoked her diplomatic passport.
India and Bangladesh have an extradition treaty that would permit Hasina’s return to face the criminal proceedings. However, a clause in the treaty sets an exception for extradition if the offence is of a “political character”.
On Sunday (Oct 13) Advocate Tajul Islam, told the media that within this week, they will seek arrest warrants and travel bans against those accused in the July mass killings. He also said that fugitives that fled abroad, including Hasina, will be brought back with the Interpol’s assistance.
(With inputs from agencies)
