A Bangladeshi court has issued an arrest warrant for exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing her of overseeing human rights abuses and mass killings during her 15-year rule. Hasina, currently in India, faces extradition for trial, though political considerations may affect the process.
Dhaka: Today, on October 17th, a Bangladeshi court issued an arrest warrant for exiled former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August after being ousted from power by a student-led revolution. The court’s order demands that Hasina be produced in court by November 18.
Mohammad Tajul Islam, chief prosecutor of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), stated,
“The court has… ordered the arrest of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and to produce her in court on November 18.”
This ruling follows serious accusations against Hasina, who led Bangladesh for 15 years, during which her administration was linked to severe human rights abuses.
Islam explained that Hasina was directly involved in mass atrocities during the final months of her regime,
“Sheikh Hasina was at the helm of those who committed massacres, killings, and crimes against humanity from July to August.”
He emphasized the significance of the court’s decision, calling it a “remarkable day” in Bangladesh’s legal history.
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Hasina, now 77, has not been seen in public since her sudden departure from Bangladesh. Her last known location was a military airbase near New Delhi, India. Since then, her continued stay in India has caused friction between the two nations.
Bangladesh has revoked Hasina’s diplomatic passport, signaling its strong stance against her continued presence abroad. However, the situation remains complex due to a bilateral extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India. While this treaty allows for the extradition of individuals facing criminal charges, a specific clause might shield Hasina, as it permits refusal if the offense is deemed of a “political character.”
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), established by Hasina’s government in 2010, was initially set up to investigate atrocities committed during Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence from Pakistan. However, the tribunal has faced intense scrutiny and criticism from various international bodies. The United Nations and human rights organizations have pointed out procedural flaws in the ICT, arguing that it was often used as a political tool to eliminate Hasina’s opponents rather than delivering impartial justice.
Several cases are currently being investigated by the tribunal, accusing Hasina of orchestrating the “mass murder” of protesters during her last months in office. These charges have further fueled the demands for her extradition and trial in Bangladesh.
With the November 18 deadline approaching, all eyes are now on how India will respond to this situation. Will India uphold its treaty obligations and return Hasina to Bangladesh, or will the political nature of the charges provide enough grounds for her continued stay in exile?
As this legal and political battle unfolds, Hasina’s future remains uncertain, and Bangladesh’s quest for accountability enters a crucial phase.
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