Is Sheikh Hasina about to be arrested? Court issues a warrant
A court in Bangladesh has issued an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in exile in India since August following her ousting during a student-led uprising.
Mohammad Tajul Islam, the chief prosecutor of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal, confirmed on Thursday that the court has ordered her arrest and required her appearance in court by November 18.
Hasina’s nearly 15-year tenure as prime minister was marked by significant allegations of human rights violations, including mass detentions and extrajudicial killings targeting political opponents.
Prosecutor Islam stated, “Sheikh Hasina was at the helm of those who committed massacres, killings, and crimes against humanity from July to August,” calling the court’s decision a “remarkable day” for justice.
At 77 years old, Hasina has not made a public appearance since her flight from Bangladesh, with her last known location reported to be a military airbase near New Delhi, India. Her presence in India has sparked outrage among Bangladeshi authorities, leading Dhaka to revoke her diplomatic passport.
The two countries share a bilateral extradition treaty, which could facilitate her return to Bangladesh to face charges. However, the treaty includes a clause that allows extradition to be denied if the charges are deemed politically motivated.
Hasina’s administration established the International Crimes Tribunal in 2010 to investigate crimes committed during the 1971 war of independence. However, the tribunal has faced criticism from the United Nations and human rights organizations for procedural deficiencies and is viewed by many as a tool for Hasina to suppress political dissent.
Currently, several cases are underway accusing Hasina of orchestrating the “mass murder” of protesters during her rule.
