ICT Issues Arrest Warrant for Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

The International Crimes Tribunal has issued arrest warrants against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 10 others over charges of extrajudicial killings. Authorities have been instructed to produce them by February 12. Hasina, residing in India, faces multiple legal challenges, and Bangladesh seeks her extradition.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued arrest warrants against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 10 others, including her former Defence Adviser Major General (retired) Tarique Ahmed Siddique and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed. The warrants are connected to allegations of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, according to a report by the Daily Star.

The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar, acted on prosecution petitions requesting the arrest of the 11 individuals. Authorities have been directed to apprehend and present Hasina and others before the tribunal by February 12, as reported by The Daily Star.

Sheikh Hasina, aged 77, has been residing in India since August 5, following her flight from Bangladesh amidst large-scale student protests that ended her 16-year tenure. Facing numerous court cases related to fatalities during her administration, Hasina is accused of crimes against humanity. On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed India's receipt of Bangladesh's extradition request.

"We have confirmed the receipt of a request from the Bangladeshi side on Hasina's extradition. I have nothing further to add," stated MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a weekly briefing. The confirmation followed a diplomatic note from Bangladesh's interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, to India's Foreign Ministry requesting her extradition.

Previously, in October, the ICT had issued arrest warrants against Hasina and 45 other prominent Awami League leaders, including ex-ministers and officials. These warrants relate to alleged crimes against humanity during the July-August uprising, as ordered by ICT chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar.

Over 60 complaints regarding crimes against humanity and genocide have been filed against Hasina and many party members with the ICT investigation agency. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)