Bangladesh Issues 2nd Arrest Warrant Against Sheikh Hasina

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has issued an arrest warrant against Sheikh Hasina and 12 others.
2. The warrant is related to enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings during her tenure.
3. Sheikh Hasina faces a second case after fleeing Bangladesh to India in 2024.
4. Bangladesh has requested Interpol’s help and sought Hasina’s extradition from India.
5. The arrest warrant is expected to spark international political tensions.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

The Issuance of the Arrest Warrant

On January 6, 2025, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh issued a significant arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The order came in the wake of a case involving enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, allegedly ordered during Hasina’s rule. Along with Hasina, 12 others have been implicated in the case, including military officials and law enforcement officers who reportedly played key roles during her tenure. The court set a deadline of February 12 for the arrest of all the accused and their presentation before the tribunal.

Accused Officials

The arrest warrant against Hasina is not her first legal hurdle. Prior to this, she fled Bangladesh in August 2024, following a student-led uprising that resulted in her ousting. Other individuals implicated in the case include Major General (retd) Tariq Ahmed Siddique, a former defense advisor to Hasina; former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed; and Ziaul Ahsan, the former Director-General of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center. These individuals are accused of facilitating activities related to the enforced disappearances and alleged killings carried out under Hasina’s leadership.

International Repercussions and Requests for Help

In response to the issuance of the arrest warrant, Bangladesh has sought international assistance. The ICT has formally requested Interpol’s support in locating and detaining Sheikh Hasina. Additionally, Bangladesh has requested India’s cooperation, asking for Hasina’s extradition, as the former prime minister remains in India, far from Bangladesh’s jurisdiction. The legal complexities of this international request are likely to add further political tension between the two nations, making it a significant diplomatic issue in the region.

Sheikh Hasina’s Continued Legal Troubles

The case against Sheikh Hasina, now in its second iteration, highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding her leadership and its aftermath. Critics argue that during her rule, various political opponents and activists were subjected to forced disappearances. These incidents have remained a subject of contention for years, especially given Bangladesh’s sensitive political environment. The tribunals’ decisions could set significant precedents for future accountability regarding human rights violations within the country.

Conclusion

The second arrest warrant against Sheikh Hasina has ignited new legal and political challenges, not only for the former prime minister but also for Bangladesh’s political stability. The demand for international assistance adds layers of complexity to the case, with the potential for future diplomatic disputes, particularly with India. These developments signal that the political landscape in Bangladesh remains fluid and contentious, with long-term consequences for all involved.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

The arrest warrant issued against Sheikh Hasina brings forward accusations of enforced disappearances and killings that occurred during her tenure as prime minister. The involvement of international organizations like Interpol and a formal extradition request from India may complicate the political situation in the coming months. This case has the potential to escalate tensions both within Bangladesh and in its relations with India, marking a critical point in the nation’s legal and political developments.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

See Full Bio